SBOE committee discusses charter applications
TEA | Commissioner | SBOE Deregulation | Charter Schools
Date Posted: 1/30/2020 | Author: Mark Wiggins
The State Board of Education (SBOE) Committee on School Initiatives met Thursday morning, Jan. 30, 2020, in Austin, where their agenda included a look at applications by charter schools to open new schools or expand to new campuses.
Member Marisa Perez-Diaz (D-San Antonio) asked Texas Education Agency (TEA) staff to consider the geographic location of existing charter schools and pending applications for new charters when it comes to considering whether to grant existing charter schools permission to expand to additional campuses.
Member Matt Robinson (R-Friendswood) suggested staff require charter applicants and applicants for expansions to provide the agency with the specific location of proposed new charter schools, either down to the zip code or independent school district level, as part of the application. Member Georgina Perez (D-El Paso) took time away from the Committee on Instruction to press TEA staff to provide additional information on charter applications.
A number of witnesses testified before the committee regarding new charter schools, focusing on market saturation and duplication of services in many cases. Suggestions to improve the application process included requiring applicants to identify specific services that are not addressed by ISD schools, as well as the specific location of planned new campuses. Board Chair Keven Ellis (R-Lufkin) expressed agreement with the concept of including more information in applications, such as geographic information.
The SBOE will conclude its week-long January meeting on Friday, when the agenda is set to include advancing curriculum standards for a new course on African-American Studies. As always, we invite you to stay tuned to Teach the Vote for updates.
CONVERSATION
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
11/12/2024
Republicans on video bragging about going for “the whole enchilada” on vouchers
As the rhetoric heats up and we inch closer to the start of the 89th legislative session, it is important to demand those asking for and supporting any voucher proposal to do so honestly and in good faith, providing transparency and agency to Texas taxpayers.
11/08/2024
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Nov. 8, 2024
The results are in from the Nov. 5 election, a bipartisan Social Security bill fell prey to election night shenanigans, and voters in three states reject vouchers.
11/07/2024
Teach the Vote’s 2024 Election Wrap-Up
Who will take office in January? Check out ATPE’s convenient list of Texas legislative and State Board of Education winners.