Public Education Reforms To Help Students and Teachers
AUSTIN, TEXAS—The Texas Legislature continued its commitment to make public education a top priority with the passage of several important pieces of legislation that will benefit students and teachers across the state. These measures were supported by State Representative Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston) who continued to fight for innovative ways to educate young Texans.
Bohac’s education priorities were driven in large part from constituent concerns and survey responses. “The people of Houston and Texas have consistently rated education as a vital priority, and I will continue to fight for enhancing student performance and rewarding our hardworking teachers,” said Bohac.
House Bill 3646 implements significant improvements to the school finance system. This piece of legislation allows school districts across the state to keep more locally collected tax dollars for their home districts rather than sending them to the state through Robin Hood. As a result of keeping more of their local tax dollars, Houston ISD and Spring Branch ISD will see increases of $27 million and $5 million respectively.
Providing an across the board pay raise for educators was a top priority for Bohac, who has supported the passage of numerous pay increases since taking office. House Bill 3646 provides an across the board pay raise of at least $800 for teachers, counselors, nurses, librarians, and speech pathologists. Individual school districts will determine the total increase for their district.
Retired teachers will also see a raise in the form of a 13th check. House Bill 3347, which Bohac supported, reflects the state’s desire to continue support for retired educators. The check will amount to $500 and will be paid to those who are retired as of December 31, 2008, pending approval by the State’s Attorney General.
Bohac co-authored House Bill 3 which overhauls accountability standards, increases college preparedness, and allows additional campus and district recognitions for outstanding performance. House Bill 3 also adjusts graduation requirements to allow more flexibility with electives. The adjustments will allow students to choose electives that spark their interest and in some cases create a pathway to a career.
During the 81st legislative session Representative Bohac received numerous awards and recognition for his work including the Education Advocate Award from the Texas House Republican Caucus. On August 25th, the West Houston Chamber of Commerce presented him with an award for the passage of House Bill 1801 which expanded the state’s annual sales tax holiday to include school supplies.
Additionally, Texas PTA’s President Jan Wilkerson recognized Bohac’s work for teachers and students saying, “I applaud Rep. Bohac for filing legislation that will assist parents in readying their children for the school year.”