Texas Senate Bill SB900

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/24/25

Caption

Relating to the inclusion of a school safety domain for evaluating districts and campuses under the public school accountability system.

Impact

If enacted, SB900 will amend the Texas Education Code to modify how school districts and campuses are assessed. The evaluation metrics will now encompass four domains, with the newly added school safety domain set to consider factors such as the security of facilities, staff safety training, student instruction on safety, and resource integration from local and federal sources. This adjustment is intended to provide a more holistic evaluation of school performance, placing greater emphasis on student safety alongside traditional academic metrics. As a result, school districts may need to allocate additional resources and training to meet these expanded requirements.

Summary

SB900 proposes to include a school safety domain for evaluating public school districts and campuses within Texas under the existing public school accountability system. The bill expands the evaluation criteria used by the Texas Education Agency to include specific measures focusing on the promotion of a safe learning environment. This initiative is aimed at enhancing student safety, as well as ensuring their preparedness for success in various post-educational pathways, including college and careers. This addition reflects a growing recognition of the importance of safety in educational settings as a determinant of overall student achievement.

Contention

There may be varying opinions on the implications of SB900. Supporters, likely including parents and educational advocates, may argue that adding a school safety domain is a necessary measure that aligns with the growing concerns about violence in schools and the need for secure learning environments. Opponents could raise concerns about the administrative burdens and costs attributed to implementing these new safety protocols, particularly in schools that are already facing budget constraints. The discussion around the bill is expected to highlight issues of prioritization in educational funding and whether safety enhancements can coexist with academic performance improvements.