Wow! What a legislative session. Just when we think we have seen it all, we are quickly reminded that it is not over until it is over, then it may still not be over.
This legislative session certainly emphasized the importance of multiple educational organizations and their advocacy efforts on behalf of all school districts across Texas. Sometimes the legislature tries to divide us, teachers against administrators, rural against urban, large schools against small. It takes supporting all organizations to keep us viable and working on your behalf.
If you have ever testified before a committee in the Texas House or Senate, then you have an understanding of the importance of being present and standing up for a cause and the attitude and acceptance or not by legislators for your cause. Testifying at one hearing is especially important, but what about monitoring the happenings at the Capitol and in the arena that impacts public education daily? Having organizations staffed with people to monitor state agencies and the daily politics occurring at the Capitol is invaluable for a school superintendent already busy with demands of the district. TARS takes this burden off school district superintendents by monitoring legislation and rulemaking that can impact districts in a major way. We have a narrow focus to keep our eye on what is happening that can help but also hurt your district.
The changes made through the HB 3 clean up bill known in the 87th session as HB 1525, TARS focused on the correction to the career and technology funding. Starting our work shortly after the end of the 86th session when the error in CTE funding was discovered, TARS worked relentlessly to get this error corrected. With that mission accomplished, now all schools will recognize additional funding for CTE programming; additionally, CTE funding for small and midsized schools will be weighted just as special education is in the small and midsized allotment. Although we placed special emphasis on this specific legislation, TARS took an active role in promoting legislation that helps our districts, as well we helped block those bad bills that hurt our schools.
We hope that you continue to support TARS as we work on your behalf and help protect all things that we love about RURAL TEXAS! Our modest dues of $500 per year supports 4 people to work on your behalf – 2 retired superintendents and two educational consultants working daily in Austin. Help us, help you by sending in your TARS membership dues!
Thank you again for your support of the Texas Association of Rural Schools.
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