reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter B. Powers and Duties › Section 8.051. Core Services and Services to Improve Performance

Sec. 8.051.  CORE SERVICES AND SERVICES TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE.  (a)  Each regional education service center shall use funds distributed to the center under Section 8.121 to develop, maintain, and deliver services identified under this section to improve student and school district performance.
(b)  Each regional education service center shall annually develop and submit to the commissioner for approval a plan for improvement.  Each plan must include the purposes and description of the services the center will provide to:
(1)  campuses assigned an unacceptable performance rating under Section 39.054;
(2)  the lowest-performing campuses in the region; and
(3)  other campuses.
(c)  Each regional education service center shall provide services that enable school districts to operate more efficiently and economically.
(d)  Each regional education service center shall maintain core services for purchase by school districts and campuses.  The core services are:
(1)  training and assistance in:
(A)  teaching each subject area assessed under Section 39.023; and
(B)  providing instruction in personal financial literacy as required under Section 28.0021;
(2)  training and assistance in providing each program that qualifies for a funding allotment under Section 48.102, 48.104, 48.105, or 48.109;
(3)  assistance specifically designed for a school district or campus assigned an unacceptable performance rating under Section 39.054;
(4)  training and assistance to teachers, administrators, members of district boards of trustees, and members of site-based decision-making committees;
(5)  assistance specifically designed for a school district that is considered out of compliance with state or federal special education requirements, based on the agency's most recent compliance review of the district's special education programs; and
(6)  assistance in complying with state laws and rules.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1202, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2006, 79th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 5 (H.B. 1), Sec. 3.02, eff. May 31, 2006.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 895 (H.B. 3), Sec. 4, eff. June 19, 2009.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1328 (H.B. 3646), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 3.004, eff. September 1, 2019.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 806 (H.B. 1525), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter B. Powers and Duties › Section 8.052. State Initiatives

Sec. 8.052.  STATE INITIATIVES.  As directed by the commissioner, each regional education service center shall, as necessary, use funds distributed under Section 8.123 to implement initiatives identified by the legislature.
Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter B. Powers and Duties › Section 8.053. Additional Services

Sec. 8.053.  ADDITIONAL SERVICES.  In addition to the services provided under Section 8.051 and the initiatives implemented under Section 8.052, a regional education service center may:
(1)  offer any service requested and purchased by any school district or campus in the state;  and
(2)  contract with a public or private entity for services under this subchapter, including the provision of continuing education courses and programs for educators.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 8.052 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 598, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter B. Powers and Duties › Section 8.0531. Instructional Materials Developed by a Collaboration of Regional Education Service Centers

Sec. 8.0531.  INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS DEVELOPED BY A COLLABORATION OF REGIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE CENTERS.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter or Section 8.001(c), instructional lessons developed as part of a curriculum management system by a regional education service center, acting alone or in collaboration with one or more other regional education service centers, shall be subject to the same review and adoption process as outlined in Section 31.022.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 617 (S.B. 1406), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter B. Powers and Duties › Section 8.054. Prohibition on Regulatory Function

Sec. 8.054.  PROHIBITION ON REGULATORY FUNCTION.  A regional education service center may not perform a regulatory function regarding a school district.  This section does not prohibit a regional education service center from offering training or other assistance to a school district in complying with a state or federal law, rule, or regulation.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter B. Powers and Duties › Section 8.055. Regional Education Service Center Property

Sec. 8.055.  REGIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE CENTER PROPERTY.  (a)  Each regional education service center may purchase or lease property or acquire property through lease-purchase and may incur debts for that purpose.  Any transaction under this subsection is subject to the approval of the board of directors.
(b)  Any transaction under this subsection involving real property is subject to the approval of the board of directors and the commissioner.
(c)  Each regional education service center may dispose of property in the manner and on the terms that the board of directors determines.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter B. Powers and Duties › Section 8.056. Limitation on Compensation for Certain Services

Sec. 8.056.  LIMITATION ON COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN SERVICES.  A regional education service center that acts as a fiscal agent or broker in connection with an agreement between two school districts under Subchapter E, Chapter 49, may not, unless authorized in writing by the district receiving transferred funds in accordance with the agreement:
(1)  be compensated by the districts in an amount that exceeds the administrative cost of providing the service; or
(2)  otherwise retain for use by the center any amount other than the compensation permitted under Subdivision (1) from the funds transferred between the districts in accordance with the agreement.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 350, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 3.005, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter B. Powers and Duties › Section 8.057. Assistance With Criminal History Record Information

Sec. 8.057.  ASSISTANCE WITH CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION.  The agency may require a regional education service center to assist in collecting information needed for a criminal history record information review under Subchapter C, Chapter 22.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1372 (S.B. 9), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter B. Powers and Duties › Section 8.058. Child Development Associate Training

Sec. 8.058.  CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE TRAINING.  A regional education service center may offer to teachers employed by school districts the training required to be awarded a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 142 (H.B. 4), Sec. 1, eff. May 28, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter B. Powers and Duties › Section 8.061. Dyslexia Specialist

Sec. 8.061.  DYSLEXIA SPECIALIST.  Each regional education service center shall employ as a dyslexia specialist a person licensed as a dyslexia therapist under Chapter 403, Occupations Code, to provide school districts served by the center with support and resources that are necessary to assist students with dyslexia and the families of students with dyslexia.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1044 (H.B. 1886), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter B. Powers and Duties › Section 8.064. School Safety Support

Sec. 8.064.  SCHOOL SAFETY SUPPORT.  (a)  A regional education service center shall act as a school safety resource, using materials and resources developed by the Texas School Safety Center or the agency in accordance with Chapter 37, for school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in the region served by the center.  The center may assist a school district or open-enrollment charter school directly or in collaboration with the Texas School Safety Center and local law enforcement agencies, as applicable:
(1)  in developing and implementing a multihazard emergency operations plan under Section 37.108;
(2)  in establishing a school safety and security committee under Section 37.109;
(3)  in conducting emergency school drills and exercises;
(4)  in addressing deficiencies in campus security identified by a school safety review team under Section 37.1084; and
(5)  by providing guidance on any other matter relating to school safety and security.
(b)  A regional education service center:
(1)  shall provide assistance as necessary to the region's school safety review team established under Section 37.1084; and
(2)  may provide assistance as necessary to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in the region served by the center through the direct provision of positive behavioral interventions and supports to a student enrolled in one of those districts or schools to mitigate or prevent future harmful, threatening, or violent behavior by the student.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 896 (H.B. 3), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter C. Evaluation and Accountability › Section 8.101. Performance Standards and Indicators

Sec. 8.101.  PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND INDICATORS.  The commissioner shall establish performance standards and indicators for regional education service centers that measure the achievement of the objectives in Section 8.002.  Performance standards and indicators must include the following:
(1)  student performance in districts served;
(2)  district effectiveness and efficiency in districts served resulting from technical assistance and program support;
(3)  direct services provided or regionally shared services arranged by the service center which produce more economical and efficient school operations;
(4)  direct services provided or regionally shared services arranged by the service center which provide for assistance in core services;  and
(5)  grants received for implementation of state initiatives and the results achieved by the service center under the terms of the grant contract.
Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter C. Evaluation and Accountability › Section 8.102. Data Reporting

Sec. 8.102.  DATA REPORTING.  Each regional education service center shall report audited or budgeted financial information and any other information requested by the commissioner for use in assessing the performance of the center.  The commissioner shall develop a uniform system for regional education service centers to report audited financial data, to report information on the indicators adopted under Section 8.101, and to provide information on client satisfaction with services provided under Subchapter B.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 8.101 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter C. Evaluation and Accountability › Section 8.103. Annual Evaluation

Sec. 8.103.  ANNUAL EVALUATION. (a) The commissioner shall conduct an annual evaluation of each executive director and regional education service center.  Each evaluation must include:
(1)  an audit of the center's finances;
(2)  a review of the center's performance on the indicators adopted under Section 8.101;
(3)  a review of client satisfaction with services provided under Subchapter B; and
(4)  a review of any other factor the commissioner determines to be appropriate.
(b)  In conjunction with the review of client satisfaction conducted under Subsection (a)(3), the commissioner shall solicit from each school district served by a regional education service center information regarding:
(1)  the reliance of the district on the center for assistance in complying with state education laws and rules; and
(2)  the specific state education laws or rules with which compliance is the most burdensome and expensive.
(c)  The information solicited under Subsection (b) may not be considered in the annual evaluation of a regional education service center.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 8.102 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 251 (H.B. 674), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter C. Evaluation and Accountability › Section 8.104. Sanctions

Sec. 8.104.  SANCTIONS.  The commissioner shall develop a system of corrective actions to require of a regional education service center that the commissioner determines to be deficient in an accountability measure under Section 8.103.  The actions must include, in increasing order of severity:
(1)  conducting an on-site investigation of the center;
(2)  requiring the center to send notice of each deficiency to each school district and campus in the center's region or served by the center the previous year;
(3)  requiring the center to prepare for the commissioner's approval a plan to address each area of deficiency;
(4)  appointing a master to oversee the operations of the center;
(5)  replacing the executive director or board of directors;  and
(6)  in the case of deficient performance in two consecutive years, closing the center.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 8.103 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter D. Funding › Section 8.121. Funding for Core Services and Services to Improve Performance

Sec. 8.121.  FUNDING FOR CORE SERVICES AND SERVICES TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE.  (a)  Regional education service centers receive state financial support for services provided under Section 8.051 from money appropriated for the Foundation School Program. The commissioner shall distribute money to each regional education service center for basic costs of providing those services according to an annual allotment set by the commissioner based on:
(1)  the minimum amount of money necessary for the operation of a center;
(2)  an additional amount of money that reflects the size and number of campuses served by the center under Section 8.051;  and
(3)  an additional amount of money that reflects the impact of the geographic size of a center's service area on the cost of providing services under Section 8.051.
(b)  Repealed by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 3.01(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
(c)  Each regional education service center shall use money distributed to it under this section for the provision of core services required under Section 8.051 or for payment of necessary administrative and operational expenses of the center related to the provision of those services.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 3.01(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter D. Funding › Section 8.122. Incentive Funding for District Efficiencies

Sec. 8.122.  INCENTIVE FUNDING FOR DISTRICT EFFICIENCIES.  (a)  The legislature may appropriate money from the foundation school fund to establish an incentive fund to encourage efficiency in the provision of services by the system of regional education service centers.
(b)  The commissioner may submit to each regular session of the legislature an incentive funding report and plan that:
(1)  demonstrates that regional education service centers are providing the services required or permitted by law;
(2)  defines efficiencies of scale in measurable terms;
(3)  proposes the size of and payment schedule for the incentive fund;  and
(4)  establishes a method for documenting and computing efficiencies.
(c)  The commissioner shall determine the method by which money appropriated under this section is distributed to regional education service centers.
(d)  The board of trustees of a school district may delegate purchasing or other administrative functions to a regional education service center to the extent necessary to achieve efficiencies under this section.
Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter D. Funding › Section 8.123. Funding for State Initiatives

Sec. 8.123.  FUNDING FOR STATE INITIATIVES.  (a)  The legislature may appropriate money from the foundation school fund or other sources to implement initiatives identified by the legislature.
(b)  The commissioner may adopt rules governing:
(1)  the strategies, programs, projects, and regions eligible for funding under this section;  and
(2)  the amount of funds that may be distributed to a regional education service center for a specific initiative.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Renumbered from Sec. 8.122 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter D. Funding › Section 8.124. Innovative and Emergency Grants

Sec. 8.124.  INNOVATIVE AND EMERGENCY GRANTS.  (a)  The legislature may appropriate money from the foundation school fund or other sources for grants to regional education service centers.  Money appropriated under this section shall be distributed to regional education service centers as:
(1)  competitive grants for developing and implementing innovative regional strategies or programs;  or
(2)  emergency grants for providing adequate services under Section 8.051 to small and isolated school districts or, in extreme circumstances, other school districts.
(b)  The commissioner may adopt rules governing:
(1)  the strategies, programs, and regions eligible for funding under this section;  and
(2)  the amount of money that may be distributed to a regional education service center for a specific purpose.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 8.123 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter D. Funding › Section 8.125. Contracts for Grants

Sec. 8.125.  CONTRACTS FOR GRANTS.  Each regional education service center board of directors, under rules adopted by the commissioner, may enter into a contract for a grant from a public or private organization and may spend grant funds in accordance with the terms of the contract.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 8.124 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter E. Mental Health and Substance Use Resources for School District Personnel › Section 8.151. Definitions

Sec. 8.151.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Executive commissioner" means the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission.
(2)  "Local mental health authority" and "non-physician mental health professional" have the meanings assigned by Section 571.003, Health and Safety Code.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1019 (H.B. 19), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1035 (S.B. 26), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter E. Mental Health and Substance Use Resources for School District Personnel › Section 8.152. Employment of Non-Physician Mental Health Professional as Mental Health and Substance Use Resource

Sec. 8.152.  EMPLOYMENT OF NON-PHYSICIAN MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL AS MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE RESOURCE.  (a)  A local mental health authority shall employ a non-physician mental health professional to serve as a mental health and substance use resource for school districts located in the region served by a regional education service center and in which the local mental health authority provides services.
(b)  If two or more local mental health authorities provide services in a region served by a regional education service center, the local mental health authority that primarily operates in the county in which the center is located shall:
(1)  employ the non-physician mental health professional;
(2)  in making a hiring decision, consult with other local mental health authorities providing services in that region; and
(3)  before making the final hiring decision, consult with the center.
(c)  If a local mental health authority is unable to employ a professional who qualifies as a non-physician mental health professional, the authority may request a waiver from the executive commissioner for approval to employ, for purposes of performing the functions and duties of a non-physician mental health professional under this subchapter, a person who:
(1)  is a licensed master social worker, as defined by Section 505.002, Occupations Code; or
(2)  has been issued a licensed professional counselor associate license by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
(d)  A person approved under a waiver under Subsection (c) shall carry out the functions and duties required of a non-physician mental health professional under this subchapter in the same manner as a non-physician mental health professional employed under Subsection (a) or (b).
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1019 (H.B. 19), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1035 (S.B. 26), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter E. Mental Health and Substance Use Resources for School District Personnel › Section 8.153. Interagency Collaboration; Memorandum of Understanding

Sec. 8.153.  INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION; MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.  (a)  A local mental health authority that employs a non-physician mental health professional under Section 8.152 and the regional education service center shall collaborate in carrying out this subchapter.
(b)  Each regional education service center shall provide for a non-physician mental health professional employed for the region served by the center with a space for the professional to carry out the professional's duties under Section 8.155.  The local mental health authority that employs the professional shall pay the center a reasonable, negotiated cost-recovery fee for providing the space and administrative support as outlined in the memorandum of understanding entered into under Subsection (c).  The cost-recovery fee may not exceed $15,000 per year unless the local mental health authority and center agree to a higher amount.
(c)  A local mental health authority and a regional education service center shall enter into a memorandum of understanding for the administration of this section.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1019 (H.B. 19), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter E. Mental Health and Substance Use Resources for School District Personnel › Section 8.154. Supervision of Non-Physician Mental Health Professional

Sec. 8.154.  SUPERVISION OF NON-PHYSICIAN MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.  A local mental health authority that employs a non-physician mental health professional under Section 8.152 shall:
(1)  supervise the professional in carrying out the professional's duties under Section 8.155; and
(2)  consult with any other local mental health authorities in the region and the regional education service center for input on supervising the professional.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1019 (H.B. 19), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter E. Mental Health and Substance Use Resources for School District Personnel › Section 8.155. Duties of Non-Physician Mental Health Professional

Sec. 8.155.  DUTIES OF NON-PHYSICIAN MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.  (a)  A non-physician mental health professional employed under Section 8.152 shall, to the greatest extent possible, work collaboratively with the regional education service center and shall act as a resource for the center and school district personnel by:
(1)  helping personnel gain awareness and a better understanding of mental health and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders;
(2)  assisting personnel to implement initiatives related to mental health or substance use under state law or agency rules, interagency memorandums of understanding, and related programs;
(3)  ensuring personnel are aware of:
(A)  the list of recommended best practice-based programs and research-based practices developed under Section 38.351;
(B)  other public and private mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery programs available in the school district, including evidence-based programs provided by a local mental health authority and other public or private mental health providers; and
(C)  other available public and private mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery program resources administered by the local mental health authority or the Health and Human Services Commission to support school districts, students, and families;
(4)  on a monthly basis, facilitating mental health first aid training;
(5)  on a monthly basis, facilitating training regarding the effects of grief and trauma and providing support to children with intellectual or developmental disabilities who suffer from grief or trauma; and
(6)  on a monthly basis, facilitating training on prevention and intervention programs that have been shown to be effective in helping students cope with pressures to:
(A)  use alcohol, cigarettes, or illegal drugs; or
(B)  misuse prescription drugs.
(b)  A non-physician mental health professional employed under Section 8.152 may not treat or provide counseling to a student or provide specific advice to school district personnel regarding a student.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1019 (H.B. 19), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 915 (H.B. 3607), Sec. 5.001, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter E. Mental Health and Substance Use Resources for School District Personnel › Section 8.156. Participation by School District Not Required

Sec. 8.156.  PARTICIPATION BY SCHOOL DISTRICT NOT REQUIRED.  This subchapter does not require a school district to participate in training provided by a non-physician mental health professional or otherwise use the professional as a resource.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1019 (H.B. 19), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter E. Mental Health and Substance Use Resources for School District Personnel › Section 8.157. Distribution of Funding

Sec. 8.157.  DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDING.  A state agency to which money is appropriated to carry out this subchapter shall ensure that the money is distributed equally among the local mental health authorities that employ and supervise non-physician mental health professionals under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1019 (H.B. 19), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle B - State and Regional Organization and Governance › Chapter 8 - Regional Education Service Centers › Subchapter E. Mental Health and Substance Use Resources for School District Personnel › Section 8.158. Report

Sec. 8.158.  REPORT.  (a)  Before the last business day of each calendar year, each local mental health authority that employs and supervises a non-physician mental health professional under this subchapter shall prepare and submit a report to the Health and Human Services Commission regarding the outcomes for school districts and students resulting from services provided by the non-physician mental health professional.
(b)  Not later than January 31 of the following calendar year, the Health and Human Services Commission shall compile the information submitted under this section and prepare and submit a report to the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, each standing committee of the legislature having primary jurisdiction over mental health, each standing committee of the legislature having primary jurisdiction over public education, and the agency.  Before submitting the report under this subsection, the commission shall provide the agency a reasonable opportunity to review and provide input on the contents of the report.
(c)  Not later than January 31 of each calendar year, the Health and Human Services Commission shall submit the report prepared under Subsection (b) to the Collaborative Task Force on Public School Mental Health Services established under Section 38.302. This subsection expires December 1, 2025.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1019 (H.B. 19), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 692 (H.B. 2287), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle C - Local Organization and Governance › Chapter 11 - School Districts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 11.001. Accreditation

Sec. 11.001.  ACCREDITATION.  Each school district must be accredited by the agency as provided by Subchapter C, Chapter 39.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 895 (H.B. 3), Sec. 5, eff. June 19, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle C - Local Organization and Governance › Chapter 11 - School Districts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 11.002. Responsibility of School Districts for Public Education

Sec. 11.002.  RESPONSIBILITY OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION.  The school districts and charter schools created in accordance with the laws of this state have the primary responsibility for implementing the state's system of public education and ensuring student performance in accordance with this code.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle C - Local Organization and Governance › Chapter 11 - School Districts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 11.003. Administrative Efficiency

Sec. 11.003.  ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY.
(a)  Expired.
(b)  Each regional education service center shall:
(1)  notify each school district served by the center regarding the opportunities available through the center for cooperative shared services arrangements within the center's service area; and
(2)  evaluate the need for cooperative shared services arrangements within the center's service area and consider expanding center-sponsored cooperative shared services arrangements.
(c)  Each regional education service center shall assist a school district board of trustees in entering into an agreement with another district or political subdivision, a regional education service center, or an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, for a cooperative shared services arrangement regarding administrative services, including transportation, food service, purchasing, and payroll functions.
(d)  The commissioner may require a district to enter into a cooperative shared services arrangement for administrative services if the commissioner determines:
(1)  that the district has failed to satisfy a financial accountability standard as determined by commissioner rule under Subchapter D, Chapter 39; and
(2)  that entering into a cooperative shared services arrangement would:
(A)  enable the district to enhance its performance on the financial accountability standard identified under Subdivision (1); and
(B)  promote the efficient operation of the district.
(e)  The commissioner may require an open-enrollment charter school to enter into a cooperative shared services arrangement for administrative services if the commissioner determines, after an audit conducted under Section 12.1163, that such a cooperative shared services arrangement would promote the efficient operation of the school.
Added by Acts 2006, 79th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 5 (H.B. 1), Sec. 2.03, eff. May 31, 2006.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 895 (H.B. 3), Sec. 6, eff. June 19, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle C - Local Organization and Governance › Chapter 11 - School Districts › Subchapter B. Independent School Districts › Section 11.011. Organization

Sec. 11.011.  ORGANIZATION.  The board of trustees of an independent school district, the superintendent of the district, the campus administrators, and the district- and campus-level committees established under Section 11.251 shall contribute to the operation of the district in the manner provided by this code and by the board of trustees of the district in a manner not inconsistent with this code.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle C - Local Organization and Governance › Chapter 11 - School Districts › Subchapter C. Board of Trustees of Independent School District--General Provisions › Section 11.051. Governance of Independent School District; Number of Trustees

Sec. 11.051.  GOVERNANCE OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT;  NUMBER OF TRUSTEES.  (a)  An independent school district is governed by a board of trustees who, as a body corporate, shall:
(1)  oversee the management of the district; and
(2)  ensure that the superintendent implements and monitors plans, procedures, programs, and systems to achieve appropriate, clearly defined, and desired results in the major areas of district operations.
(a-1)  Unless authorized by the board, a member of the board may not, individually, act on behalf of the board.  The board of trustees may act only by majority vote of the members present at a meeting held in compliance with Chapter 551, Government Code, at which a quorum of the board is present and voting.  The board shall provide the superintendent an opportunity to present at a meeting an oral or written recommendation to the board on any item that is voted on by the board at the meeting.
(b)  The board consists of the number of members that the district had on September 1, 1995.
(c)  A board of trustees that has three or five members may by resolution increase the membership to seven.  A board of trustees that votes to increase its membership must consider whether the district would benefit from also adopting a single-member election system under Section 11.052.  A resolution increasing the number of trustees takes effect with the second regular election of trustees that occurs after the adoption of the resolution.  The resolution must provide for a transition in the number of trustees so that when the transition is complete, trustees are elected as provided by Section 11.059.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1244 (H.B. 2563), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle C - Local Organization and Governance › Chapter 11 - School Districts › Subchapter C. Board of Trustees of Independent School District--General Provisions › Section 11.0511. Student Trustee for Certain Districts

Sec. 11.0511.  STUDENT TRUSTEE FOR CERTAIN DISTRICTS.  (a)  This section applies only to a school district described by Section 11.065(a) in which a school in the district is operating under a campus turnaround plan.
(b)  Notwithstanding Section 11.051(b), the board of trustees of a school district may adopt a resolution establishing as a nonvoting member a student trustee position as provided by this section.
(c)  For a student trustee position under this section, the board shall adopt a policy that establishes:
(1)  the term of the student trustee position;
(2)  the procedures for selecting a student trustee, including the method for filling a vacancy; and
(3)  the procedures for removal of a student trustee.
(d)  A student is eligible to serve as a student trustee if the student is enrolled in the student's junior or senior year of high school and is considered in good standing academically and under the district code of conduct.
(e)  The board shall adopt a policy regarding student trustee:
(1)  participation, other than voting, in board deliberations, subject to Subsection (f); and
(2)  access to information, documents, and records, consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. Section 1232g).
(f)  A student trustee may not participate in a closed session of a board meeting in which any issue related to a personnel matter is considered.
(g)  A student trustee is not entitled to receive compensation or reimbursement of the student trustee's expenses for services on the board.
(h)  A school district may grant to a student who fulfills the requirements of service of a student trustee not more than one academic course credit in a subject area determined appropriate by the district.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1046 (H.B. 1842), Sec. 2, eff. June 19, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle C - Local Organization and Governance › Chapter 11 - School Districts › Subchapter C. Board of Trustees of Independent School District--General Provisions › Section 11.053. Option to Continue in Office Following Adoption of Single-Member Plan or Redistricting

Sec. 11.053.   OPTION TO CONTINUE IN OFFICE FOLLOWING ADOPTION OF SINGLE-MEMBER PLAN OR REDISTRICTING.  (a)  The board of trustees of an independent school district that adopts a redistricting plan under Section 11.052 may provide for the trustees in office when the plan is adopted or the school district is redistricted to serve for the remainder of their terms in accordance with this section.
(b)  The trustee district and any at-large positions provided by the district's plan shall be filled as the staggered terms of trustees then in office expire.  Not later than the 90th day before the date of the first election from trustee districts and after each redistricting, the board shall determine the order in which the positions will be filled.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 982, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle C - Local Organization and Governance › Chapter 11 - School Districts › Subchapter C. Board of Trustees of Independent School District--General Provisions › Section 11.054. Electing Trustees by Cumulative Voting

Sec. 11.054.  ELECTING TRUSTEES BY CUMULATIVE VOTING.  (a)  The board of trustees of an independent school district that elects its trustees at large or at large by position may order that elections for trustees be held using the cumulative voting procedure described by this section.
(b)  At an election at which more than one trustee position is to be filled, all of the positions that are to be filled at the election shall be voted on as one race by all the voters of the school district.  Each voter is entitled to cast a number of votes equal to the number of positions to be filled at the election.
(c)  A voter may cast one or more of the specified number of votes for any one or more candidates in any combination.  Only whole votes may be cast and counted.
(d)  If a voter casts more than the number of votes to which the voter is entitled in the election, none of the voter's votes may be counted in that election.  If a voter casts fewer votes than entitled, all of the voter's votes are counted in that election.
(e)  The candidates who are elected are those, in the number to be elected, receiving the highest numbers of votes.
(f)  If the board of trustees adopts an order requiring the use of cumulative voting, only the trustee positions that were scheduled to be elected at the election are filled through the use of cumulative voting.
(g)  An independent school district that adopts an order requiring the use of cumulative voting may not elect its members by position as provided by Section 11.058.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle C - Local Organization and Governance › Chapter 11 - School Districts › Subchapter C. Board of Trustees of Independent School District--General Provisions › Section 11.055. Application to Get on Ballot

Sec. 11.055.  APPLICATION TO GET ON BALLOT.  (a)  An application of a candidate for a place on the ballot must be filed not later than 5 p.m. of the 78th day before the date of the election.  An application may not be filed earlier than the 30th day before the date of the filing deadline.
(b)  In a district in which the positions on the board of trustees are not authorized to be designated by number, an applicant is not required to state which other candidate, if any, the applicant is opposing.
(c)  Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 , Sec. 31, eff. September 1, 2015.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 925, Sec. 9, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1109 (H.B. 2339), Sec. 30, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1318 (S.B. 100), Sec. 42, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1703), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1703), Sec. 31, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle C - Local Organization and Governance › Chapter 11 - School Districts › Subchapter C. Board of Trustees of Independent School District--General Provisions › Section 11.056. Write-in Voting

Sec. 11.056.  WRITE-IN VOTING.  (a)  In an election for trustees of an independent school district, a write-in vote may not be counted for a person unless that person has filed a declaration of write-in candidacy with the secretary of the board of trustees in the manner provided for write-in candidates in the general election for state and county officers.
(b)  A declaration of write-in candidacy must be filed not later than the deadline prescribed by Section 146.054, Election Code, for a write-in candidate in a city election.
(c)  With the appropriate modifications and to the extent practicable, Subchapter B, Chapter 146, Election Code, applies to write-in voting in an election for trustees of an independent school district.
(d)  The secretary of state shall adopt the rules necessary to implement this section.
(e)  Repealed by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1318, Sec. 51(2), eff. September 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1349, Sec. 74, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1109 (H.B. 2339), Sec. 31, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1318 (S.B. 100), Sec. 43, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1318 (S.B. 100), Sec. 51(2), eff. September 1, 2011.