Trustee Charge

I wrote a post on January 31^st of this year regarding my concerns about the structure of the superintendent – school board relationship and the lack of increased standards for board members since the adoption of the state constitution.

I am heartened by the fact that the Speaker of the House issued his interim charges to the House Public Education Committee last week and included the following charge:

“3. Solicit input from leading authorities on the traits and characteristics of good governance, effective checks and balances between the board and administration and the effective relationship between a board and the superintendent. Review current oversight authority by the Texas Education Agency over school board policies on governance. Make recommendations on trustee training, potential sanctions, and means of grievances, as well as recommendations on whether the role of trustee or superintendent needs to be more clearly defined.”

Interim charges mean that this committee will take up consideration and investigation of the topic prior to the next legislative session.  The committee may propose legislation as a result of their study.  All the interim charges can be found here:  http://www.house.state.tx.us/_media/pdf/interim-charges-83rd.pdf

Wonder if Speaker Joe Strauss reads this blog?  Hope so.