Sen. Patrick files school mandates relief Bill
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas I am a strong proponent of local responsibility. The current economic climate demands that the state give local school boards the highest level of flexibility to address financial challenges" said state Senator Dan Patrick (R-Houston) while filing his Mandates Relief Bill Senate Bill 443.
S.B. 443 reduces K-4 class size to 21-1 as a district wide average giving more flexibility.
SB 443 just takes the next step of reducing state mandates on local school districts from the legislation I passed last session"
said Senator Patrick.
During the 81st session Senator Patricks mandate relief bill SB 300 reformed several mandates and saved school districts millions of dollars across the state. Those mandates included required school bus evacuation training and administrative burdens.
SB 443 lowers the financial burdens placed on local school districts by the state by reforming the 22 students to 1 teacher ratio increasing mandate
flexibility for recognized schools and lowering other administrative burdens.
This is the first step in a long overdue conversation about the states education priorities and how they are funded. We appreciate Sen. Patricks willingness and courage to begin this difficult process said Amy Beneski Associate Executive Director
Texas Association of School Administrators.
SB 443 reforms the current 22 to 1 class-size ratio by requiring smaller class-sizes while giving school districts more flexibility to adjust to their unique needs. The bill will lower the ratio to 21 students to 1 teacher but will make the ratio a district-wide average across grades K-4.
Schools will still be able to request a waiver if needed.
Making this change in the teacher-student ratio will allow local school districts the flexibility they need to adjust for incoming students during the year but will not allow for over-crowding" Patrick said.
No one wants to see over-crowding in our schools and this bill will not allow it"
said Patrick.
