TITLE 19.EDUCATION

Part 2. TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY

Chapter 62. COMMISSIONER'S RULES CONCERNING THE EQUALIZED WEALTH LEVEL

19 TAC §§62.1001, 62.1011, 62.1031, 62.1041, 62.1051, 62.1061

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) proposes amendments to §§62.1001, 62.1011, 62.1031, 62.1041, 62.1051, and 62.1061, concerning the equalized wealth level. These sections establish provisions relating to authority of trustees and durations of agreements; election duties of board of trustees; date of agreement for purposes of determining election date; weighted students in average daily attendance for purposes of tax rate rollback; definition of parcel detached and annexed by the commissioner of education; and election of trustees of district consolidated by the commissioner. The proposed amendments would update statutory references to current provisions of the Texas Education Code (TEC).

In 1993, the 73rd Texas Legislature created the current wealth equalization system in TEC, Chapter 36. Subsequently in 1995, the 74th Texas Legislature moved the wealth equalization provisions in the TEC from Chapter 36 to Chapter 41. At that same time, TEC, Chapter 16, pertaining to the Foundation School Program was recodifed as Chapter 42. The changes proposed in 19 TAC §§62.1001, 62.1011, 62.1031, 62.1041, 62.1051, and 62.1061 would modify statutory references to correspond to current codification.

Joe Wisnoski, Assistant Commissioner for School Finance and Fiscal Analysis, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendments are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments.

Mr. Wisnoski has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amendments will be a clear statement in rule form of the proper references to statute. There will not be an effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendments.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez, Accountability Reporting and Research, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 463-9701. Comments may also be submitted electronically to rules@tea.state.tx.us or faxed to (512) 475-3499. All requests for a public hearing on the proposed amendments submitted under the Administrative Procedure Act must be received by the commissioner of education not more than 15 calendar days after notice of the proposal has been published in the Texas Register .

The amendments are proposed under Texas Education Code, §41.006, which authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules necessary for the implementation of TEC, Chapter 41, Equalized Wealth Level.

The amendments implement Texas Education Code, §41.006.

§62.1001.Authority of Trustees; Duration of Agreements.

(a) Trustees of independent school districts may not delegate their authority to enter into agreements necessary to achieve the purposes of the Texas Education Code, Chapter 41 [ 36 ]. Nor may the trustees authorize any exclusive franchises on the right to negotiate on behalf of the district.

(b) Consolidations under the Texas Education Code, Chapter 41 [ 36 ], Subchapter B; detachments and annexations under Subchapter C; and tax base consolidations under Subchapter F are permanent in duration and districts may not enter into agreements that purport to limit the duration of the agreement. Nor may the parties create by agreement any right to cancel the agreement.

§62.1011.Election Duties of Board of Trustees.

For the purposes of an election ordered under the Texas Education Code, Chapter 41 [ 36 ], the board of trustees that orders the election shall perform any applicable duty assigned to the county judge or to the county commissioners court under the Texas Education Code, Chapter 13 [ 19 ].

§62.1031.Date of Agreement for Purposes of Determining Election Date.

For the purposes of the Texas Education Code, §41.012 [ §36.010 ], the date of an agreement entered by the board of trustees of a school district under the Texas Education Code, Chapter 41 [ 36 ], Subchapter E or F, is the date that the agreement is certified by the commissioner of education.

§62.1041.Weighted Students in Average Daily Attendance for Purposes of Tax Rate Rollback.

In determining the number of weighted students in average daily attendance for the purposes of tax rate rollback calculations under the Texas Tax Code, §26.08, the number calculated under the Texas Education Code, §42.302 [ §16.302 ], is adjusted:

(1) as provided by the Texas Education Code, §41.123 [ §36.123 ], by adding the number of weighted students in average daily attendance attributed to the district through a contract to educate nonresident students under the Texas Education Code, Chapter 41 [ 36 ], Subchapter E; and

(2) by adding the number of weighted students in average daily attendance attributed to the district through the purchase of attendance credits under the Texas Education Code, Chapter 41 [ 36 ], Subchapter D.

§62.1051.Definition of Parcel Detached and Annexed by Commissioner.

For the purposes of implementing the Texas Education Code, Chapter 41 [ 36 ], Subchapter G, a parcel shall be defined as one or more separately described items of real property, together with the improvements and personal property located on the property, that have the same taxable situs or that are:

(1) contiguous to each other;

(2) used as a unit or subject to the same predominant use; and

(3) located within the boundaries of a single school district.

§62.1061.Election of Trustees of District Consolidated by Commissioner.

The election date under the Texas Education Code, §41.253(b) [ §36.253(b) ], is modified to be the first May uniform election date after the effective date of a consolidation order under the Texas Education Code, Chapter 41 [ 36 ].

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2003.

TRD-200300471

Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez

Manager, Policy Planning

Texas Education Agency

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 9, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-9701


Chapter 153. SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONNEL

Subchapter CC. COMMISSIONER'S RULES ON CREDITABLE YEARS OF SERVICE

19 TAC §153.1021

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) proposes an amendment to §153.1021, concerning school district personnel. The section determines the experience for which certain professional staff members are given credit in placement on the state minimum salary schedule. The proposed amendment would add three established and respected international accrediting organizations to the list of recognized accrediting entities for salary increment purposes.

Effective February 1, 1998, the commissioner of education adopted 19 TAC §153.1021, Recognition of Creditable Years of Service, as authorized by the Texas Education Code, §21.403, 75th Texas Legislature, 1997. The provisions of law required the commissioner to adopt rules for determining the experience for which certain professional staff are to be given credit in placement on the state minimum salary schedule.

The existing 19 TAC §153.1021, as amended effective April 16, 2000, concerning placement on the salary schedule applies to teachers, librarians, counselors, and nurses. The rule provides appropriate definitions and explains required documents, necessary credentials, and the service record. The rule details the provisions for creditable years of service, including recognized employing entities for service credit.

The proposed amendment to 19 TAC §153.1021, which adds content and modifies existing language in order to accommodate the addition of three international accrediting associations, includes the following changes.

The definition relating to regional accrediting agencies in subsection (a)(14) is expanded to include the International Baccalaurate Organization, the European Council of International Schools, and the National Council for Private School Accreditation in new subparagraphs (H) - (J), respectively.

Language in subsection (f)(1) is added to reflect Texas public colleges and universities. This change is proposed as clarification to the rule that prior to the 1990 - 1991 school year, minimum days at less than 100% of the day are applicable only to recognized Texas public entities.

Language in subsection (h)(12)(B) describing accreditation by a recognized state or regional accrediting agency is modified to include the additional recognized accrediting agencies in subsection (a)(14).

Language in subsection (h)(13)(C) describing accreditation of foreign private schools is modified to account for the additional recognized regional accrediting agencies in subsection (a)(14).

Joe Wisnoski, Assistant Commissioner for School Finance and Fiscal Analysis, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment.

Mr. Wisnoski has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amendment will be the opportunity to attract to Texas experienced teachers who are teaching in highly qualified international schools overseas. There will not be an effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez, Accountability Reporting and Research, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 463-9701. Comments may also be submitted electronically to rules@tea.state.tx.us or faxed to (512) 475-3499. All requests for a public hearing on the proposed amendment submitted under the Administrative Procedure Act must be received by the commissioner of education not more than 15 calendar days after notice of the proposal has been published in the Texas Register .

The amendment is proposed under Texas Education Code, §21.403, which authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules for determining the experience for which a teacher, librarian, counselor, or nurse is to be given credit in placing the teacher, librarian, counselor, or nurse on the minimum salary schedule.

The amendment implements Texas Education Code, §21.403.

§153.1021.Recognition of Creditable Years of Service.

(a) Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) - (13) (No change.)

(14) Regional accrediting agency--The recognized regional accrediting agencies are:

(A) - (E) (No change.)

(F) Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges; [ and ]

(G) Commission on International and Trans-regional Accreditation ; [ . ]

(H) International Baccalaureate Organization;

(I) European Council of International Schools/Council of International Schools; and

(J) National Council for Private School Accreditation.

(15) - (20) (No change.)

(b) - (e) (No change.)

(f) Minimum requirements. The table in this subsection indicates the minimum number of days required to earn and receive credit for a year of experience.

Figure: 19 TAC §153.1021(f) (No change.)

(1) For service performed through the 1989-1990 school year, minimum days at less than 100% or at full-time equivalency are applicable only to service in Texas public schools, Texas education service centers, and, beginning in 1978-1979, Texas public colleges and universities.

(2) - (7) (No change.)

(g) (No change.)

(h) Requirements. Requirements for entities recognized for professional personnel are as follows:

(1) - (11) (No change.)

(12) Public or private colleges and universities, and private elementary and secondary schools in all other states in the United States or within the boundaries of any of its territorial possessions.

(A) (No change.)

(B) Accreditation by a recognized state or regional accrediting agency listed in subsection (a)(14) of this section [ in the United States ] is required. In states or territories that have no provisions for accrediting, licensing, or approving private elementary or secondary schools, service shall be acceptable provided the person held, while employed, a valid teaching certificate from the state in which the school is located or a valid Texas teaching certificate.

(C) (No change.)

(13) Foreign public or private elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities.

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(C) For foreign private schools, private colleges or universities, accreditation must be by a recognized regional accrediting agency listed in subsection (a)(14) [ in the United States ].

(D) (No change.)

(14) - (18) (No change.)

(i) - (l) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2003.

TRD-200300472

Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez

Manager, Policy Planning

Texas Education Agency

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 9, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-9701