SUBJECT: Update on School Board Member Continuing Education

The Texas Education Code, Section 11.159, requires the State Board of Education to develop a course of training for school board members, which is to be offered by regional education service centers. Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Section 61.1(a), Continuing Education for School Board Members, requires that copies of the Framework for School Board Development be sent to the board president annually to be distributed to all current board members and the superintendent. Two copies of the Framework for School Board Members Training are provided with this letter. Copies of these board rules also are attached to assist you in planning your continuing education activities.

This letter also initiates Fall 1999 activities to commend school board-superintendent leadership teams that, during the 1998-99 school year, completed at least eight hours of the team-building and additional hours of continuing education as a complete team, with all board members and the superintendent present together for these sessions, as authorized by 19 TAC, Section 61.1(k). The State Board of Education established this commendation in recognition of the importance of working together as a team for the benefit of Texas' children. For purposes of this commendation, the year is defined as the period from the date when elections are normally called to the same date in the subsequent year, regardless of the month or year when elections are actually called.

Enclosed is a form to be completed and signed by both the school board president and the superintendent, if the school board-superintendent team is eligible for the commendation specified in 19 TAC, Section 61.1(k). Please note the due date of November 15, 1999 for this form. Upon receipt of the form, Texas Education Agency staff will notify the appropriate member of the State Board of Education and executive director of the regional education service center, who will make arrangements for this event. Depending upon local preference, this commendation may be presented at the local school district, at regional school board association meetings, or other appropriate venues.

Please also note that the State Board of Education rules require in 19 TAC, Section 61.1(j), that annually, at the meeting at which the call for election of board members is normally scheduled, the current president of each local board of trustees shall announce the name of each board member who has completed the required continuing education, who has exceeded the required hours of continuing education, and who is deficient in the required continuing education. The president shall cause the minutes of the local board to reflect this information and shall make this information available to the local media. Accountability to the public is an integral part of local control. Please exercise your authority responsibly.

If you have any questions or need additional information about continuing education for school board members, please contact the State/Federal Waivers and Initiatives Unit at (512) 463-9077.

Sincerely,
Carol V. Francois
Associate Commissioner for the Education of Special Populations

Enclosures

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For further information on this topic, contact the State/Federal Waivers and Initiatives Unit at (512) 463-9077.

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