tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50844387352977970952024-03-13T19:51:30.073-07:00School LawJoe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-2262719389065651342017-07-05T09:32:00.000-07:002017-07-05T09:41:41.159-07:00Advisory on SB7<style>@font-face {
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">July 4, 2017</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">RE:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Senate Bill 7 Relating to Improper Relationships Between
Educators and Students</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dear
School Administrators:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="000Body">
On May 26, 2017, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 7
(SB7) into law. Notably, SB7 amends the Education Code and makes various
conforming amendments to provisions in the Code of Criminal Procedure,
Government Code and Penal Code. Importantly, SB7 amends and adds to existing laws
relating to improper relationships between educators and students. These
amendments have potentially adverse consequences for various administrative and
other personnel beyond the superintendent. In this advisory we discuss the more
significant changes to existing law and how SB7 will affect your school.<br /></div>
<div class="100Header" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Amendments to Education Code</u></b></div>
<div class="000Body">
Through SB7 the Texas Legislature amended Sections 21.006,
21.044, 21.054, 21.058, 21.062, 21.355 and 39.057 of the Tex. Ed. Code and added
Sections 21.0581, 21.0061, 21.009 and 38.027 to the Tex. Ed. Code. Notably, the
Legislature added the following requirements to state law.</div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Pursuant
to §21.0581, the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) may suspend or
revoke an educator’s certification, impose other sanctions against the educator,
or refuse to issue a certificate if the educator assists another person in
obtaining employment at a school district or open-enrollment charter school and
the certificate holder knew that the other person has previously engaged in
sexual misconduct with a minor or student in violation of the law.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5084438735297797095#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a>
Additionally, the commissioner of education may require a school district to
revoke or decline to issue a teaching permit issued to or requested by a person
subject to an action by SBEC under §21.0581.<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Pursuant
to §21.0061, the board of trustees or other governing body is required to adopt
a policy for providing a notice to the parent or guardian of a student with
whom an educator is alleged to have engaged in an abusive or unlawful misconduct
or to have been involved romantically or sexually. <br />
Through the policy, the
board must require that the notice:</div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Be provided as soon as feasible after the
employing entity becomes aware that alleged misconduct may have occurred; and</div>
<div class="200Numbered" style="margin-left: 1.1in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.1in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Inform the parent or guardian:</div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>that the alleged misconduct occurred;</div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>whether the educator was terminated following an
investigation of the alleged misconduct or resigned before completion of the
investigation; and</div>
<div class="200Numbered" style="margin-left: 1.7in; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.7in; text-indent: -.35in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(iii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>
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--</style><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>whether a report was submitted to SBEC
concerning the alleged misconduct.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Pursuant
to §21.009, individuals seeking the following types of employment are required
to submit a pre-employment affidavit<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5084438735297797095#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a>
disclosing whether the applicant has ever been charged with, adjudicated for,
or convicted of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor.<br /></div>
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Administrator</div>
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Associate school psychologist</div>
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Audiologist</div>
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Counselor</div>
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Educational aide</div>
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Educational diagnostician</div>
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Librarian</div>
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Licensed professional counselor</div>
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Marriage and family therapist</div>
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Nurse</div>
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Occupational therapist</div>
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Physical therapist</div>
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Physician</div>
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School counselor</div>
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School psychologist</div>
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Social worker</div>
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Speech language pathologist</div>
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Teacher</div>
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Teacher intern or teacher trainee</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="000Body" style="margin-left: .55in;">
In the event that an applicant
discloses that they were charged with, adjudicated for, or convicted of having
an inappropriate relationship with a minor, the applicant must also disclose
all relevant facts pertaining to the charge, adjudication, or conviction,
including, for a charge, whether the charge was determined to be true or false.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5084438735297797095#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a>
If the applicant fails to disclose any required information, the school may use
this fact as grounds for termination of employment.<br /></div>
<div class="000Body" style="margin-left: .55in;">
Importantly, under §21.009, SBEC may
revoke an administrator’s certification if SBEC determines it is reasonable to
believe that the administrator employed an applicant for any of the positions identified
above despite being aware that the applicant had been adjudicated for or
convicted of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor.<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Pursuant
to §38.027, school districts<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5084438735297797095#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a>
are required to adopt a written policy concerning electronic communications<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5084438735297797095#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a>
between an employee and a student that:</div>
<div class="200Numbered" style="margin-left: 1.1in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.1in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Includes provisions designed to prevent improper
electronic communications between an employee and a student;</div>
<div class="200Numbered" style="margin-left: 1.1in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.1in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Allows an employee to elect to not disclose to
students the employee ’s personal telephone number or e-mail address; and</div>
<div class="200Numbered" style="margin-left: 1.1in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.1in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(c)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Includes provisions instructing an employee
about the proper method for notifying appropriate local administrators about an
incident in which a student engages in improper communications with the
employee.<br /></div>
<div class="000Body">
In addition to the new sections of law identified above, the
85th Texas Legislature amended various existing statutes. Significantly, the
following laws were changed to include additional and clarifying statutory
language.<br /></div>
<div class="200Numbered" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(5)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>As
amended, §21.006 requires the superintendent (or equivalent) to notify SBEC when
an educator’s employment is terminated and there is evidence that the educator
abused or otherwise committed an unlawful act with a minor or was involved in a
romantic relationship with or solicited or engaged in sexual contact with a
student or minor. Additionally, the superintendent (or equivalent) is required
to complete an investigation of an educator that involves evidence that the
educator may have engaged in the misconduct described above, even if the
educator resigns. Whereas before the standard was that the notification to SBEC
and the completion of the investigation was to be based on evidence of educator
misconduct, now the standard has been lowered to the existence of evidence of
educator misconduct. In other words, if evidence (e.g., outcry by student)
exists that an educator abused or otherwise committed an unlawful act with a
minor or was involved in a romantic relationship with or solicited or engaged
in sexual contact with a student or minor, the superintendent (or equivalent)
must notify SBEC and complete the investigation of the alleged educator’s
misconduct.<br /></div>
<div class="000Body" style="margin-left: .55in;">
Under prior law, campus principals
did not have a role in the requirements described above. However, under §21.006,
as amended by SB7, a principal is now required to notify the superintendent of
an allegation of educator misconduct.<br /></div>
<div class="000Body" style="margin-left: .55in;">
As amended, §21.006 applies immunity
from civil or criminal liability to superintendents and principals who in good
faith and while acting in an official capacity report to SBEC or communicate
with other superintendents, directors, or principals concerning an educator’s
criminal record or alleged incident of misconduct.<br /></div>
<div class="000Body" style="margin-left: .55in;">
Under SB7, SBEC is authorized to
apply sanctions, including the levy of an administrative penalty, in the event
that a superintendent or principal fails to provide the required notice. If an
administrative penalty is levied but not paid, SBEC is prohibited from renewing
the educator’s certifications until the penalty is paid. Moreover, a
superintendent or principal commits a state jail felony if he/she fails to
provide the required notice by the required date and if his/her failure
occurred with the intent to conceal an educator’s alleged misconduct.<br /></div>
<div class="000Body" style="margin-left: .55in;">
As amended, §21.006 applies to
school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, districts of innovation,
regional education service centers and shared services arrangements.<br /></div>
<div class="200Numbered" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(6)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>As
amended, §21.054 requires the continuing education for classroom teachers to
now include instructions regarding understanding appropriate relationships,
boundaries, and communications. </div>
<div class="000Body" style="margin-left: .55in;">
As amended, §21.054 now requires the
continuing education for principals to include instruction regarding
preventing, recognizing, and reporting any sexual conduct between an educator
and student that is prohibited under §21.12, Penal Code, or for which reporting
is required under §21.006 of the Education Code.<br /></div>
<div class="200Numbered" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(7)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>As
amended, §21.355 allows a school district or charter school to provide an
educator’s evaluation to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). However, the
document would remain confidential.<br /></div>
<div class="200Numbered" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(8)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>As
amended, §39.057 authorizes the commissioner of education to conduct a special
accreditation investigation of a school district or charter school when the
district or charter fails, for any reason, to provide to the TEA, upon request,
evidence or the investigative report relating to an educator being investigated
by SBEC.<br /></div>
<div class="000Body">
The Legislature also made other conforming changes to the
Education Code through SB7.<br /></div>
<div class="100Header" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Changes to Other Codes</u></b></div>
<div class="000Body">
Of significance, through SB7 the Texas Legislature amended
Section 21.12 of the Penal Code by clarifying that any employee serving in the
capacities identified above (see bullet (3)) are subject to the prohibition on
improper employee and student relationships, regardless of whether the employee
holds the required qualification (e.g., SBEC certification). Also, §21.12 is
amended to apply to any employee involved in an improper relationship with a
student who the employee knows is enrolled in any public or private primary or
secondary school.<br /></div>
<div class="000Body">
The Legislature also amended Subchapter A, Chapter 824 of the
Government Code by adding §824.009 under which the Teacher Retirement System of
Texas (TRS) may revoke a person’s eligibility for full pension annuity payments
if: (a) the person is convicted of sexual misconduct or an improper
relationship with a minor student; (b) the offense arises from the person's
employment as an educator; or (c) the offense is punishable as a felony. If an
educator employed by a school district or charter school is convicted of an offense
subject to the amendments of law adopted under SB7, the district or charter
must notify TRS of the conviction in writing.<br /></div>
<div class="000Body">
The 85th Texas Legislature also made other conforming changes
to the Code of Criminal Procedure, Government Code and Penal Code through SB7.<br /></div>
<div class="100Header" style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Recommendations</b></u></div>
<div class="000Body">
School districts, open-enrollment charter schools, districts
of innovation, regional education service centers and shared services
arrangements should amend their board policies to address the new legal
requirements adopted under SB7 for electronic communications, parent or
guardian notifications, superintendent and principal reporting of educator
misconduct, and the completion of the investigation of alleged educator
misconduct. Additionally, board members and administrators should modify
existing policies and administrative procedures to include additional local
requirements to ensure that the various other legal requirements adopted under
SB7 are properly addressed. Lastly, central office and campus administrators
and staff should be properly trained on the new legal requirements adopted
under SB7 and the new board policies and administrative procedures adopted to
implement SB7.<br /></div>
<div class="000Body">
Should you have questions concerning Senate Bill 7,
particularly amendments to local policy, procedure and the employee handbook,
please contact us.<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cordially,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Schulman, Lopez,</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">
Hoffer & Adelstein, LLP</span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joseph E. Hoffer</span>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5084438735297797095#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This legal requirement does not apply to the routine
transmission of administrative and personnel files.</div>
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<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5084438735297797095#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Texas Education Agency is required to adopt a standard form
for the pre-employment affidavit.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5084438735297797095#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>An applicant is not precluded from employment for disclosing a
charge if, based on the information disclosed in the affidavit, the employing
entity determines that the charge was false.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5084438735297797095#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While §38.027 specifically applies to school districts, adopting
a §38.027 written electronic communications policy at a charter school will help
prevent improper communications between school employees and students.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5084438735297797095#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As defined under SB7, "electronic communication" means
any communication facilitated by the use of any electronic device, including a
telephone, cellular telephone, computer, computer network, personal data
assistant, or pager. The term includes e-mails, text messages, instant
messages, and any communications made through an Internet website, including a
social media website or a social networking website.</div>
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Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-45292335091753905542017-05-19T14:13:00.001-07:002017-05-19T14:13:09.218-07:00Local Meal Charge Policy<div class="t pg-4m0 pg-4x5 pg-4h4 pg-4y6 pg-4ff3 pg-4fs0 pg-4fc0 pg-4sc0 pg-4ls3 pg-4ws0">
<span class="pg-4ls0"></span><i>by Joe Hoffer</i><br /><br /><span class="_ pg-4_0"></span><span class="pg-4ls0"> </span></div>
<div class="t pg-4m0 pg-4x6 pg-4h3 pg-4y3e pg-4ff1 pg-4fs0 pg-4fc0 pg-4sc0 pg-4ls6 pg-4ws0">
In <span class="_ pg-4_1"> </span>early <span class="_ pg-4_1"> </span>Apr<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>il <span class="_ pg-4_1"> </span>2017, <span class="_ pg-4_1"> </span>the <span class="_ pg-4_1"> </span>N<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>e<span class="pg-4ls5">w <span class="_ pg-4_1"> </span>Mexi<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>co </span>Legislature <span class="_ pg-4_3"> </span>and <span class="_ pg-4_3"> </span>G<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>overnor <span class="_ pg-4_3"> </span>adopted <span class="_ pg-4_4"> </span>into <span class="_ pg-4_3"> </span>law the H<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>unge<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>r<span class="pg-4ls0">-<span class="pg-4ls2">Free Students<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>’ Bill<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span> of Ri<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>ghts Act,<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span></span></span> or <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>Senate <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>Bill <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>3<span class="pg-4ls0">7</span>4.<span class="pg-4ls0"> <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span><span class="pg-4ls1">Seemingly <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>not<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span> <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>too <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>far<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span></span></span> behind, the Texas <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>Legislature is <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>considering House Bi<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>ll <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span><span class="pg-4ls6">(H<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>B) <span class="pg-4ls3">2159 “</span></span>Relating <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>to school distric<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>t <span class="_ pg-4_6"> </span>grace <span class="_ pg-4_6"> </span>period <span class="_ pg-4_6"> </span>policies <span class="_ pg-4_6"> </span>and <span class="_ pg-4_6"> </span>the provision <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>of <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>meals <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>to <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>public <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>school <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>students with <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>insuf<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>fic<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>ient<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span> <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>balances <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>on <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>prepaid <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>meal cards <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>or <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>meal <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>accounts.<span class="pg-4ls0">” <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span><span class="pg-4ls2">The <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>former <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>recentl<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>y</span></span> made natio<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>nal <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>headl<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>ines as <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>it brough<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>t <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>to the forefron<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>t <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>once <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>more <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>the <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>practice<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span> <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>of <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>“lunch shaming” <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>by <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>public <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>schools.<span class="pg-4ls0"> <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span><span class="pg-4ls2">The latter is <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>yet</span></span> to <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>mak<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>e <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>the <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>ligh<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>t <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>of <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>day. <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span><span class="pg-4ls5">However, <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>you <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>may</span> not <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>be <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>aware <span class="_ pg-4_a"></span>that <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>on <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>July <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>8, <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>2016, <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>the <span class="_ pg-4_a"></span>U.S. Dep<span class="pg-4ls3">artment <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>of <span class="_ pg-4_3"></span>Agri<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>culture <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span><span class="pg-4ls6">(U<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>SDA<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>) <span class="_ pg-4_a"></span><span class="pg-4ls9">is<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>sued<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span> <span class="_ pg-4_a"></span>a<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span></span></span></span> memora<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>ndum <span class="_ pg-4_4"> </span>req<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>uiring<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span> <span class="_ pg-4_4"> </span>that,<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span> <span class="_ pg-4_4"> </span>“<span class="pg-4ls3">no <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>later<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span> <span class="_ pg-4_4"> </span>than</span> July <span class="_ pg-4_b"></span>1, <span class="_ pg-4_b"></span>2017, <span class="_ pg-4_b"></span>all <span class="_ pg-4_b"></span>SFAs <span class="_ pg-4_b"></span>operating <span class="_ pg-4_b"></span>NSLP <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>and/or SBP <span class="_ pg-4_c"> </span>must <span class="_ pg-4_c"> </span>have <span class="_ pg-4_c"> </span>a <span class="_ pg-4_c"> </span>wr<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>itt<span class="pg-4ls3">en <span class="_ pg-4_c"> </span>and <span class="_ pg-4_c"> </span>cl<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>early</span> communicated <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>meal <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>charge <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>policy <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>in <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>order <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>to ensure <span class="_ pg-4_d"> </span>a <span class="_ pg-4_d"> </span>consistent <span class="_ pg-4_d"> </span>and <span class="_ pg-4_d"></span>transparent<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span> approach.<span class="pg-4ls6">” To <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>this <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>end, <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span><span class="pg-4ls4">the <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span><span class="pg-4ls5">USDA<span class="pg-4ls0"> <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span><span class="pg-4ls2">Food and</span></span></span></span></span> Nutri<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>tion <span class="_ pg-4_e"> </span>Servi<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>ce <span class="_ pg-4_e"> </span>(FNS) <span class="_ pg-4_e"> </span>f<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>urther <span class="_ pg-4_e"> </span>sti<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>pulated that, <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>“In <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>dev<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>eloping<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span> <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>a <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>meal <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>ch<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>arge <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>po<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>licy, FNS enco<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>urages <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>adoption <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>of poli<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>ci<span class="pg-4ls3">es <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>that</span> allow <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>children <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>to <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>receive <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>the <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>nutrition <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>they need <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>to <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>stay <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>focused <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>during <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>the <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>school <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>day, mini<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>mize <span class="_ pg-4_6"> </span>id<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>enti<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>ficat<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>ion <span class="_ pg-4_f"> </span>of <span class="_ pg-4_f"></span>chil<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>dren <span class="_ pg-4_f"> </span>with insuffic<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>ient <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>funds<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span> <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>to <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>pay <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>for <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>school <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>meals<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>, and maintain the f<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>inancial i<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>ntegrity of<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span> the nonprofit <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>school food service <span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>account<span class="pg-4ls4">.”<span class="pg-4ls0"></span></span> </div>
<div class="t pg-4m0 pg-4x6 pg-4h3 pg-4y3e pg-4ff1 pg-4fs0 pg-4fc0 pg-4sc0 pg-4ls6 pg-4ws0">
</div>
<div class="t pg-4m0 pg-4x6 pg-4h3 pg-4y3e pg-4ff1 pg-4fs0 pg-4fc0 pg-4sc0 pg-4ls6 pg-4ws0">
In addition<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span> to its July 8, 2016<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>, memo<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>randu<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>m, the <span class="_ pg-4_a"></span>US<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>DA issu<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>ed <span class="_ pg-4_a"></span>a <span class="_ pg-4_a"></span>m<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>emora<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>ndum<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span> <span class="_ pg-4_a"></span>provid<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>ing guidance <span class="_ pg-4_4"> </span>on <span class="_ pg-4_4"> </span>March <span class="_ pg-4_4"> </span>23, <span class="_ pg-4_4"> </span>2017.<span class="pg-4ls0"> <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span><span class="pg-4ls5">Notabl<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>y, <span class="_ pg-4_4"> </span>the</span></span> USDA <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>observed <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>that<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span> “<span class="pg-4ls4">there is <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>no<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span> Federal</span> requireme<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>nt for school board appro<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>val of the local <span class="_ pg-4_3"> </span>mea<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>l <span class="_ pg-4_3"></span>charge <span class="_ pg-4_3"> </span>policy<span class="pg-4ls4">.”<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span> Nonethele<span class="pg-4ls7">ss, <span class="_ pg-4_3"> </span>the</span></span> USDA <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>obse<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>rved <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>that <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>“<span class="pg-4ls4">the <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>po<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>licy <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>or <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>sta<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>ndard<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span></span> practice <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>must <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>consist <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>of <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>a <span class="_ pg-4_a"></span>written document explaining <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>how <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>the <span class="pg-4ls4">[school food <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>a<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>uthority<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>, <span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>or]</span> SFA will<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span> h<span class="pg-4ls3">andle situat<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>ions where children</span>…<span class="pg-4ls3">do <span class="_ pg-4_3"></span>not <span class="_ pg-4_a"></span>have <span class="_ pg-4_a"></span>money <span class="_ pg-4_3"></span>in <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>their <span class="_ pg-4_a"></span>account <span class="_ pg-4_3"></span>or <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>in</span> hand <span class="_ pg-4_3"> </span>to <span class="_ pg-4_3"> </span>cover <span class="_ pg-4_3"> </span>the <span class="_ pg-4_3"></span>cost <span class="_ pg-4_3"></span>of <span class="_ pg-4_3"></span>t<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>hei<span class="pg-4ls6">r <span class="_ pg-4_3"> </span>m<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>eal <span class="_ pg-4_3"> </span>at <span class="_ pg-4_4"> </span>the </span>time <span class="_ pg-4_10"> </span>of <span class="_ pg-4_10"> </span>service.<span class="pg-4ls0">” <span class="_ pg-4_10"> </span><span class="pg-4ls2">Thus, <span class="_ pg-4_10"> </span>al<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>though <span class="_ pg-4_10"> </span>school<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span></span></span> boards <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>are <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>not <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>required <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>to <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>adopt <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>a <span class="_ pg-4_8"> </span>formal policy, <span class="_ pg-4_11"> </span>school <span class="_ pg-4_11"></span>administrators <span class="_ pg-4_11"> </span>should nonetheless <span class="_ pg-4_b"></span>develop <span class="_ pg-4_b"></span>an <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>administrative <span class="_ pg-4_b"></span>policy or <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>procedure <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>that <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>addresses <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>how <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>campus cafeteria <span class="_ pg-4_b"></span>personnel <span class="_ pg-4_b"></span>are <span class="_ pg-4_b"></span>to <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>handle <span class="_ pg-4_b"></span>an <span class="_ pg-4_b"></span>instance in <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>wh<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>ich <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>a <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>s<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>tuden<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>t’s <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>m<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>eal <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>ac<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>coun<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>t <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>is <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>de<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>ficient and the <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>student does <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>not have <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>the money <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>in hand to <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>pay for the <span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>meal. Importantl<span class="_ pg-4_9"></span>y, before your <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>school <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>makes <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>the <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>next <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>headline <span class="_ pg-4_5"> </span>and becomes <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>the <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>poster <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>child <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>for <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>HB <span class="_ pg-4_7"></span>2159, <span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>your policy <span class="_ pg-4_3"> </span>or <span class="_ pg-4_4"> </span>procedure <span class="_ pg-4_3"> </span>should <span class="_ pg-4_4"> </span>dis<span class="pg-4ls7">cour<span class="_ pg-4_0"></span>age <span class="_ pg-4_4"> </span>and</span> otherwise <span class="_ pg-4_c"> </span>prohibit <span class="_ pg-4_12"> </span>any <span class="_ pg-4_12"> </span>“lunch <span class="_ pg-4_12"> </span>shaming” practices <span class="_ pg-4_12"> </span>and <span class="_ pg-4_12"> </span>ensure <span class="_ pg-4_12"> </span>that <span class="_ pg-4_12"> </span>the <span class="_ pg-4_12"> </span>student receives a m<span class="_ pg-4_2"></span>eal.<span class="pg-4ls0"> </span></div>
Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-50674398033370485172017-01-19T15:20:00.001-08:002017-01-19T15:20:44.563-08:00State May Address Concerns Over Educator-Student Relationshipsby Ramon Medina<br /><br />
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{page:WordSecti</style><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">As in prior years, the news media
has continued to report on allegations, arrests and convictions of teachers
having improper relationships with students. Moreover, the news media has
further reported on the failure of public schools to disclose this reason as
the basis for a former teacher’s resignation or termination to another public
school looking to hire the same teacher. In July 2016, State Representative
Jason Isaac of Dripping Springs requested that Governor Abbott designate the
practice of “passing the trash” an emergency for the 85<sup>th</sup>Legislative Session. <a href="http://www.house.state.tx.us/news/pressreleases/?%20%20id=5880" target="_blank">Read the press release.</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">In its Legislative Appropriations
Request for Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019, TEA requested an additional $400,000 to
employ more investigative staff to address the increase in reports of improper
relationships between educators and students. Additionally, State
Representatives and State Senators have filed four bills (HB49, HB218, HB333,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span>SB7) captioned:</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">• “Relating to improper
relationships between educators and students; creating a criminal offense and
expanding the applicability of an existing offense", and</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">• </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">"Relating to the prosecution
of the offense of improper relationship between educator and student.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Of particular interest to school
boards and superintendents are recent news stories in which state lawmakers
have been quoted as saying that they are interested in adopting statutory
criminal penalties to address a superintendent’s, and possibly a principal’s,
failure to report instances when an educator has had an improper relationship
with a student. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">As the ongoing reports of improper
teacher and student relationships continue to land on the front page and on the
five o’clock news, legislators may find themselves increasingly compelled to
act where they perceive that public schools have failed to do so, regardless of
what the law does or does not require.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Given the media, agency and
legislative interest concerning how public schools address, and particularly
disclose, improper relationships between educators and students, public schools
should likely revisit their existing policies, procedures and practices to
ensure that they do not become the poster child of the proposed laws during the
upcoming legislative session.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Session opened Tuesday Jan 10th. For more info on </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">legislation, committees, house, and senate visit <a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/" target="_blank">Texas Legislature Online</a>. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-36385097542436542242016-12-13T19:51:00.001-08:002016-12-13T20:11:43.907-08:00U.S. Department of Education to Hold Special Education Listening Sessions<br />
by Christopher Schulz<br />
<br />
Based on a report in the Houston Chronicle that the Texas Education Agency was encouraging schools to limit special education enrollment, the United States Department of Education will hold a<br />
series of “listening sessions” in Texas. The purpose of the sessions is to provide members of the public – school staff and parents – opportunities to share their experiences on the timely identification and evaluation of students with disabilities, as well as the delivery of special education services under the IDEA. <br />
<br />
The sessions have been taking place across Texas and the final one is at the State capital. So, if you would like to have your voice heard take this opportunity to attend this Thursday.<br />
<br />
Austin, Texas<br />
Thursday, Dec.15<br />
6 – 8 p.m.<br />
Region 13 – 5701 Springdale Rd. 78723-3675<br />
(512) 919-5313<br />
<br />
Additionally, those who are unable to attend a listening session may submit written comments from Dec. 5 – Jan. 6. More at the <a href="http://www.ed.gov/news/media-advisories/us-department-education-officials-host-special-education-listening-sessions-texas" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Education</a>. Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-70997032600335078592015-03-09T14:21:00.000-07:002015-03-09T14:21:05.210-07:00
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<br />
<div class="02SubjectLine">
<b>USDE Model Terms of Service Guidance</b></div>
<div class="03Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="03BodyJustified">
On February 26, 2015, the Privacy Technical Assistant
Center (“PTAC”) of the United States Department of Education issued a guide and
training video concerning the use of online educational services and student
privacy. In this advisory, we briefly discuss this new guidance.</div>
<div class="03BodyHeaderLevel1">
Model Terms of Service.</div>
<div class="03BodyHeaderLevel1">
<br /></div>
<div class="03BodyJustified">
In its guide, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Protecting
Student Privacy While Using Online Educational Services: Model Terms of Service</i>,
PTAC discusses its <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Model Terms of Service</i>
document that may be used to evaluate “click-wrap” agreements for online
services for educational software, including applications (“apps”) and
web-based tools. Unlike traditional contracts that are negotiated between a
public school and its vendor, click-wrap agreements are generic agreements that
specify the terms of service for the access and use of online software. If,
through board resolution, district or campus improvement plan, or teacher
lesson plan, a public school decides to use online educational software, such
as the Chirp, Endless Alphabet, LightSail, Mind Tree, or Twelve a Dozen apps, school
administrators should review the terms of service agreement before clicking
accept to ensure that student privacy rights are not violated. To this end,
PTAC’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Model Terms of Service</i> may
assist public schools in the review of these agreements and the identification
of potentially adverse provisions that may raise the school’s risk of violating
the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) and other applicable
student privacy laws.</div>
<div class="03BodyHeaderLevel1">
<br /></div>
<div class="03BodyHeaderLevel1">
<b>Training Video.</b></div>
<div class="03BodyHeaderLevel1">
<br /></div>
<div class="03BodyJustified">
In addition to the guide, PTAC also released a training
video that summarizes the student privacy issues raised by the use of online
educational services. Notably, public schools should appoint a committee to
review and approve the use of online educational services, including the terms
of service agreement, prior to use in the classroom. Once approved,
administrators should retain a copy of the terms of service agreement on file
for future reference. Also, because online service providers’ typically include
a provision in their terms of service agreements permitting the unilateral
amendment of the agreement, PTAC recommends the periodic review of term of
service agreements to determine if the online service provider has changed any
provision that may raise the risk of a FERPA or other student privacy law
violation.</div>
<div class="03BodyHeaderLevel1">
<br /></div>
<div class="03BodyHeaderLevel1">
<b>Resources.</b></div>
<div class="03BodyHeaderLevel1">
<br /></div>
<div class="03BodyJustified">
Go to <a href="http://ptac.ed.gov/document/protecting-student-privacy-while-using-online-educational-services-model-terms-service">http://ptac.ed.gov/document/protecting-student-privacy-while-using-online-educational-services-model-terms-service</a>
to review PTAC’s guide.</div>
<div class="03BodyJustified">
Go to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deo2F19DK_o">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deo2F19DK_o</a>
to view PTAC’s video.</div>
<div class="03BodyJustified">
Go to <a href="http://studentprivacypledge.org/">http://studentprivacypledge.org</a>
for information concerning online service providers that have signed the
Student Privacy Pledge, an industry initiative to meet and exceed federal
student privacy requirements.</div>
<div class="03BodyJustified">
<br /></div>
<b>
</b><div class="03BodyHeaderLevel1">
<b>Closing Remarks.</b></div>
<div class="03BodyJustified">
<br /></div>
<div class="03BodyJustified">
PTAC’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Model
Terms of Service</i> document and training video are instructive as to how
public schools may mitigate the risk of a FERPA violation resulting from the
inadvertent use of an app or other online educational software governed by a
terms of service agreement that enables the vendor to collect and use students’
personally identifiable information. Schools should review the
guide and video and implement a local process for ensuring that student data is
protected in accordance with FERPA and other applicable law.</div>
Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-40515708341080684032014-11-10T07:58:00.002-08:002014-11-10T07:58:24.899-08:00
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Updated Website Posting
Requirements</span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As we have previous noted, any Texas
charter school that maintains a website is required by law to make certain
information available on that website. Following the enactment of Senate Bill 2
and accompanying rules, there are some new website posting requirements, as
well as more severe consequences for failure to comply.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Under the Commissioner of Education’s new
rules concerning open-enrollment charter schools (Texas Administrative Code,
Title 19, Chapter 100), failure to comply with Texas Education Code, Chapter
12, Subchapter D, or any other applicable law or rule will result in mandatory
revocation of an open-enrollment charter school’s charter or mandatory
reconstitution of the governing body of the charter holder. 19 Tex. Admin. Code
§ 100.1021(a)(4). This, of course, includes laws and rules regarding Internet
postings. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">No charter school wants to face such a
sanction for the failure to make the necessary website postings, so I have
summarized the requirements below to assist you with compliance with the current
laws. Please thoroughly check your website for compliance with the required
postings, and continue to update your materials as necessary.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Administrative</span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">All Board meeting notices </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
addition to the other place(s) at which a charter school must post notice of
its Board meetings, a charter school must concurrently post notice of a Board
meeting on its website.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas Government Code § 551.056(a), (b)(3)</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Board meeting agenda (if the school’s
primary geographic service area includes all or part of a municipality with a
population of 48,000 or more) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A charter school must also post the Board
meeting agenda on its website concurrently if its geographic service area
contains all or part of the area within the corporate boundaries of a
municipality with a population of 48,000 or more. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas
Government Code § 551.056(c)(3) </span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Names of members of the school’s
governing body on the home page </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A charter school must list the names of
the members of the governing body on the home page of the school's website.
Each year, the charter holder is required to file with the Texas Education
Agency a screenshot of the names of the governing body as listed on the home
page of the school’s website (19 Tex. Admin. Code § 100.1007(d)).</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas
Education Code § 12.1211 </span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Completed Conflict Disclosure Statements
and Questionnaires </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
charter school must provide access on its website to Conflict Disclosure
Statements and Conflict of Interest Questionnaires required under chapter 176
of the Local Government Code</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas Local Government Code § 176.009</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Link to any online message board or
similar Internet application accessible to the public over which Board members
communicate or exchange information about public business or school policy </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A charter school Board may have no more
than one such online message board or similar Internet application. The link
must be prominently displayed on the school home page, and the message board or
Internet application must not be more than one click away from the home page. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas
Government Code § 551.006(b) </span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Financial</span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Salary of the school’s superintendent or,
as applicable, of the administrator serving as the educational leader and chief
executive officer</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
charter school must post on its website the salary of the school's
superintendent or, as applicable, of the administrator serving as educational
leader and chief executive officer. Each year, the charter holder is required
to file with the Texas Education Agency a screenshot of the superintendent’s
salary (or other applicable officer) from the school’s website (19 Tex. Admin.
Code § 100.1007(d)).</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas
Education Code § 12.136; 19 Texas Administrative Code § 100.1050</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Budget adopted by board of trustees/directors,
with link prominently displayed, until the third anniversary of its adoption</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Upon the
Board’s final approval of the budget, a charter school must post on the school’s
website a copy of the budget adopted by the Board. The charter school’s website
must prominently display the electronic link to the adopted budget. The school must
maintain the adopted budget on its website until the third anniversary of the
date the budget was adopted.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas Education Code § 39.084</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Annual financial statement prepared under
Local Government Code § 140.005</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
charter school’s Board must take action to ensure that the school’s financial
statement is posted continuously on the school’s website. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas
Local Government Code § 140.006(c); 19 Texas Administrative Code § 100.1050</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most current annual financial report</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Although
Chapter 44 of the Texas Education Code does not mandate that a charter school post
its annual financial report on its website, the commissioner’s rules state that
he may non-renew a charter contract based on a charter school’s failure to post
its most current annual financial report on its website. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">19
Texas Administrative Code §</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">100.1032(2)(K) (Texas Education Code §
44.008)</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Academic</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">If assigned a campus intervention team, a
School/Targeted Improvement Plan, posted at least 72 hours prior to a hearing
pursuant to Education Code § 39.106(e-1)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas
Education Code § 39.106(e-1)(2); 19 Texas Administrative Code § 97.1063(j)(2)</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Notice of an Accredited-Warned or
Accredited-Probation status, no later than 30 days after the status is assigned
and remaining until the school is assigned the Accredited Status </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There must be a link to information about
the accreditation status, the implications of such status, and the steps the charter
school is taking to address the areas of deficiency identified by the
commissioner. The notice shall use the format and language determined by the
commissioner, available at: </span><a href="http://www.tea.state.tx.us/accredstatus/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.tea.state.tx.us/accredstatus/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (scroll to “TEA Required Notification
Language”).</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">19
Texas Administrative Code § 97.1055(f)(3)(A)</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas Academic Performance Report</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A charter school must disseminate the
Texas Academic Performance Report by posting it on the school’s website (among
other places).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Texas Education Code § 39.306; 19
Texas Administrative Code § 61.1022</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Health</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Health-related policies </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
charter school must post on its website a statement of the polices adopted to
ensure that elementary school, middle school, and junior high school students
(as applicable) engage in at least the amount and level of physical activity
required by Tex. Educ. Code § 28.002(1). Charter schools must also include a
statement of: (1) the number of times during the previous year the school
health advisory council met; (2) whether the school adopted and enforces
policies to ensure schools comply with vending machine and food service
guidelines to restrict student access to vending machines; and (3) whether
the school adopted and enforces policies and procedures which penalize the use
of tobacco products by students and others on school grounds or at
school-sponsored or school-related activities. Additionally, post a
statement which provides parents with notice that they may require in writing
their child’s physical fitness assessment results at the conclusion of the
school year. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas
Education Code §§ 28.004(k), 38.0141</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Immunization information</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
charter school must post on its website a list, in Spanish and English, of the
immunizations required for admission to public school; any immunizations or
vaccines recommended for public school students by the Department of State
Health Services; and all known health clinics in the district that offer the
influenza vaccine, to the extent those clinics are known to the school, as well
as a link to the Department of State Health Services website regarding claiming
an exemption from the immunization requirements.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas
Education Code § 38.1019(a) </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other Topics</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Community and student engagement
performance ratings and compliance status</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Each charter school is required to
evaluate its performance and the performance of each of its campuses, if
applicable, in community and student engagement and in compliance as provided
by Tex. Educ. Code § 39.0545 and assign the charter school and each campus a
performance rating of exemplary, recognized, acceptable, or unacceptable for
both overall performance and each individual evaluation factor listed section
39.0545. Not later than August 8 of each year, the charter school shall make
the performance ratings publicly available on its website.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas
Education Code § 39.0545; 19 Texas Administrative Code § 61.1023(h)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Transition and employment guide </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
charter school must post to its website the transition and employment guide
developed and published by the Texas Education Agency for students enrolled in
special education programs and their parents. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas Education Code § 29.0112(e)(1)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">*NOTE: a charter school <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">may</b>
publish the superintendent's employment contract on its website in lieu of
publication in the annual financial management report. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">19 Texas Administrative Code §</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">109.1005(b)(2)(A)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-66520680803016812592014-09-26T16:23:00.002-07:002014-09-26T16:24:23.090-07:00UPDATE to Texas Open Meetings Act Videoconferencing for Public Schools<style>@font-face {
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">***IMPORTANT UPDATE***</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">New Laws on Videoconferencing </b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Under the Texas Open Meetings Act<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5084438735297797095#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></b></span></span></span></a></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Does the Open Meetings Act (Act) allow a Charter
School or School District to hold a meeting by videoconference call?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yes, if certain conditions are met. <i>See </i>TEX. GOV’T CODE §
551.127. The special videoconference requirements set out below are in addition
to requirements that otherwise apply to meetings under the Act. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the below requirements are NOT met, a
videoconference meeting would violate the Act, there are potential criminal
liabilities and actions taken at the meeting are voidable.</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What are the procedures that a governmental body must follow to
meet by videoconference <u>if a quorum will be in one physical location</u>? </span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The meeting notice must specify
where the quorum of the governmental body will be physically present and the
intent to have a quorum present. <i>See </i>TEX. GOV’T CODE § 551.127(d);
Senate Bill 984 § 1(e). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The video and audio feed of a
remote Board member or employee must be broadcast live at the meeting. <i>See </i>House
Bill 2414 § 2 (a-1). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Each portion of the meeting held
by videoconference call that is required to be open to the public must be
visible and audible to the public at the location where the quorum is present. <i>See
</i>TEX. GOV’T CODE § 551.127(f). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The location where the quorum is
present, and each remote location from which a member of the governmental body
participates, must have two-way audio and video communication with each other
location during the entire meeting. Each participant’s face in the
videoconference call, while speaking, must be clearly visible and audible to
each other participant and, during the open portion of the meeting, to the
members of the public in attendance at the location where a quorum is present,
and at any other location of the meeting that is open to the public. <i>See </i>Senate
Bill § 1(h); House Bill 2414 § 2(h). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The audio and video signals
perceptible by members of the public at each location of the meeting must meet
or exceed minimum standards established by Texas Department of Information
Resources (DIR) rules. <i>See </i>TEX. GOV’T CODE § 551.127(i). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The audio and video signals
perceptible by members of the public at the location where the quorum is
present and, any other location open to the public, must be of sufficient
quality so that members of the public at each location can observe the demeanor
and hear the voice of each participant in the open portion of the meeting. <i>See
</i>House Bill 2414 § 2(j). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If a problem occurs that causes a
meeting to no longer be visible and audible to the public at the location where
a quorum is present, the meeting must be recessed until the problem is
resolved. If the problem is not resolved in six hours or less, the meeting must
be adjourned. <i>See </i>Senate Bill 984 § 1(f).</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The governmental body must make
at least an audio recording of the meeting, and the recording must be made
available to the public. <i>See </i>TEX. GOV’T CODE § 551.127(g). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What are the procedures that a governmental body must follow to
meet by videoconference <u>if a quorum will not be in one physical location</u>?
</span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The meeting notice must specify
the physical space, described in 2, below, and specify the intent to have the
presiding officer physically present at the physical space. <i>See </i>TEX.
GOV’T CODE § 551.127(d); Senate Bill 984 § 1(e); House Bill 2414 § 2(e). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
governmental body must make available to the public at least one suitable
physical space in or within a reasonable distance of the charter school’s
geographic territory that is equipped with videoconference equipment that
provides an audio and video display, as well as a camera and microphone, by
which a member of the public can provide testimony or otherwise participate in
the meeting. <i>See </i>Senate Bill 984 § 1(e), House Bill 2414 § 2(c)(1). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
member of the governmental body presiding over the meeting must be present at
the physical space described in 2, above, and the location must be open to the
public. <i>See </i>Senate Bill 984 § 1(c),(e); House Bill 2414 § 2(c)(2). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Any
member of the public present at the physical space described in 2, above, must
be provided the opportunity to participate in the meeting by means of a
videoconference call in the same manner as a person who is physically present
at a meeting of the governmental body that is not conducted by videoconference
call. <i>See </i>House Bill 2414 § 2(c)(3). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Each
portion of the meeting held by videoconference call that is required to be open
to the public must be visible and audible to the public. <i>See </i>Senate Bill
984 § 1(f). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
video and audio feed of a remote board member or employee must broadcast live
at the meeting. <i>See </i>House Bill 2414 § 2(a-1). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
physical location described in 2, above, and each remote location from which a
member participates, must have two-way audio and video communication with each
member who is participating by videoconference call during the entire meeting.
Each participant’s face in the videoconference call, while speaking, must be
clearly visible and audible to each other participant and, during the open
portion of the meeting, to the members of the public in attendance at the
physical location described in 2, above, and at any other location of the
meeting that may be open to the public. <i>See </i>Senate Bill 984 § 1(h);
House Bill 2414 § 2(h). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
audio and video signals perceptible by members of the public at each location
of the meeting must meet or exceed minimum standards established by State DIR
rules. <i>See </i>TEX. GOV’T CODE § 551.127(i). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
audio and video signals perceptible by members of the public at each location
of the meeting that is open to the public, and each remote location, are of
sufficient quality so that members of the public at each location can observe
the demeanor and hear the voice of each participant in the open portion of the
meeting. <i>See </i>House Bill 2414 § 2(j). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If a problem occurs that causes the meeting to no longer be visible
and audible to the public at the physical space described in 2, above, the meeting
must be recessed until the problem is resolved. If the problem is not resolved
in six hours or less, the meeting must be adjourned. <i>See </i>Senate Bill 984
§ 1(f). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The governmental body must make at least an audio recording of the
meeting, and the recording must be made available to the public. <i>See </i>TEX.
GOV’T CODE § 551.127(g). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Are there any size restrictions on charter schools that may
utilize videoconferencing for Board meetings?</span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">No. According to the Attorney General,
videoconferencing is not limited to charter schools with geographic service
areas that extend into three or more counties. Thus, all charter schools may
use videoconferencing for their Board meetings, provided they comply with all
other requirements. </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do Skype or similar platforms meet the requirements for
videoconferencing under the Act? </span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Under prior law, and the law as recently amended, State DIR is
responsible for establishing the minimum standards for the audio and video
signals related to videoconferencing. <i>Id</i>. § 551.127(i); 1 TEX. ADMIN.
CODE. ch. 209. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Written guidance from DIR
regarding which Internet-based communication technologies meet those standards
is available at http://www2.dir.state.tx.us. </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May a member of the Board participate in a meeting by
videoconference from a physical location outside the charter school’s
geographic territory, including out of state?</span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yes. The Attorney General has clearly
stated that so long as the presiding member of the Board is present at a
physical location of the meeting open to the public in or within a reasonable
distance of the charter school’s geographic territory, other members of the
Board may participate in a videoconference call meeting from remote locations
outside the geographic service area, including outside of the state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If a member of the Board participates in a meeting by
videoconference call is the member counted for purposes of a quorum? </span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yes. The Act expressly provides that a member of a governmental
body who participates remotely in a meeting by means of a videoconference call
must be counted present at the meeting for <i>all </i>purposes. TEX. GOV’T CODE
§ 551.127 (a-2). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May a member of the public testify at a meeting by videoconference
call even when the entire Governing Body is physically present at its regular
meeting location? </span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yes. The Act provides that “[w]ithout regard to whether a member
of the governmental body is participating in a meeting from a remote location
by videoconference call, a governmental body may allow a member of the public
to testify at a meeting from a remote location by videoconference call.” <i>Id</i>.
§ 551.127(k). The Act does not expressly require any special notice of this
type of remote participation by a member of the public. </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Is a videoconference call the same thing as a telephone conference
call? </span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">No.</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> The Act makes it clear that a videoconference call and a
telephone conference call are alternative types of communication. <i>See e.g.</i>,
<i>id. </i>§ 551.129 (authorizing a governmental body to use a telephone
conference call, videoconference call, <i>or </i>communications over the
Internet to conduct certain consultations). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Act defines a “videoconference call” to mean “a communication
conducted between two or more persons in which one or more of the participants
communicate with the other participants through duplex audio and video signals
transmitted over a telephone network, a data network, or the Internet.” <i>Id. </i>§
551.001(7). The phrase “telephone conference call” is not defined in the Act,
and there appears to be no reported case or opinion addressing its meaning.
Nonetheless, one primary difference between a telephone conference and a video
conference call is that a telephone conference call involves only audio
communication. </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When may a Board hold a meeting by telephone conference? </span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Like most governmental bodies, a School Board may hold a meeting
by telephone conference call only if both (1) an emergency or public necessity
exists; and (2) the convening at one location of a quorum of the governmental
body is difficult or impossible. <i>Id. </i>§ 551.125(a); <i>see also </i>Tex.
Att’y Gen. Op. Nos. GA-0908 (2012), JC-352 (2001). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5084438735297797095#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a>
This Handout was borrowed from content released by the Texas Municipal League
and other sources including Texas Association of School Boards, Texas
Legislative Counsel, but has been customized for charter schools and school
districts.</div>
</div>
</div>
Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-26476029554148900582013-08-28T15:20:00.004-07:002013-08-28T15:20:55.185-07:00
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">New Laws on Videoconferencing </b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Under the Texas Open Meetings Act<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5084438735297797095#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></b></span></span></span></a></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Does the Open Meetings Act (Act) allow a Charter
School or School District to hold a meeting by videoconference call?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yes, if certain conditions are met. <i>See </i>TEX. GOV’T CODE §
551.127. The special videoconference requirements set out below are in addition
to requirements that otherwise apply to meetings under the Act. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the below requirements are NOT met, a
videoconference meeting would violate the Act, there are potential criminal
liabilities and actions taken at the meeting are voidable.</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What are the procedures that a governmental body must follow to
meet by videoconference <u>if a quorum will be in one physical location</u>? </span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: .5in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
meeting notice must specify where the quorum of the governmental <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>body will be physically present and the
intent to have a quorum present. <i>See <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i>TEX.
GOV’T CODE § 551.127(d); Senate Bill 984 § 1(e). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The video and audio feed
of a remote Board member or employee must be <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>broadcast
live at the meeting. <i>See </i>House Bill 2414 § 2 (a-1). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Each portion of the
meeting held by videoconference call that is required to <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>be open to the public must be visible and
audible to the public at the location <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>where
the quorum is present. <i>See </i>TEX. GOV’T CODE § 551.127(f). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The location where the
quorum is present, and each remote location from <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>which a member of the governmental body participates, must have
two-way <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>audio and video
communication with each other location during the entire <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>meeting. Each participant’s face in the videoconference
call, while speaking, <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>must be clearly
visible and audible to each other participant and, during the <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>open portion of the meeting, to the
members of the public in attendance at <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
location where a quorum is present, and at any other location of the <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>meeting that is open to the public. <i>See
</i>Senate Bill § 1(h); House Bill 2414 § <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2(h).
</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The audio and video
signals perceptible by members of the public at each <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>location of the meeting must meet or exceed minimum standards
established <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>by Texas Department of
Information Resources (DIR) rules. <i>See </i>TEX. GOV’T <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>CODE § 551.127(i). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The audio and video
signals perceptible by members of the public at the <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>location where the quorum is present and, any other location
open to the <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>public, must be of sufficient
quality so that members of the public at each <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>location
can observe the demeanor and hear the voice of each participant in <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the open portion of the meeting. <i>See
</i>House Bill 2414 § 2(j). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If a problem occurs that
causes a meeting to no longer be visible and audible <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to the public at the location where a quorum is present,
the meeting must be <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>recessed until the
problem is resolved. If the problem is not resolved in six <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>hours or less, the meeting must be adjourned.
<i>See </i>Senate Bill 984 § 1(f).</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The governmental body
must make at least an audio recording of the <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>meeting,
and the recording must be made available to the public. <i>See </i>TEX. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>GOV’T CODE § 551.127(g). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What are the procedures that a governmental body must follow to
meet by videoconference <u>if a quorum will not be in one physical location</u>?
</span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The meeting notice must specify
the physical space, described in 2, below, and specify the intent to have the
presiding officer physically present at the physical space. <i>See </i>TEX.
GOV’T CODE § 551.127(d); Senate Bill 984 § 1(e); House Bill 2414 § 2(e). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
governmental body must make available to the public at least one suitable
physical space in, or close to, the School’s administrative office that is
equipped with videoconference equipment that provides an audio and video
display, as well as a camera and microphone, by which a member of the public
can provide testimony or otherwise participate in the meeting. <i>See </i>Senate
Bill 984 § 1(e), House Bill 2414 § 2(c)(1). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
member of the governmental body presiding over the meeting must be present at
the physical space described in 2, above, and the location must be open to the
public. <i>See </i>Senate Bill 984 § 1(c),(e); House Bill 2414 § 2(c)(2). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Any
member of the public present at the physical space described in 2, above, must
be provided the opportunity to participate in the meeting by means of a
videoconference call in the same manner as a person who is physically present
at a meeting of the governmental body that is not conducted by videoconference
call. <i>See </i>House Bill 2414 § 2(c)(3). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Each
portion of the meeting held by videoconference call that is required to be open
to the public must be visible and audible to the public. <i>See </i>Senate Bill
984 § 1(f). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
video and audio feed of a remote board member or employee must broadcast live
at the meeting. <i>See </i>House Bill 2414 § 2(a-1). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
physical location described in 2, above, and each remote location from which a
member participates, must have two-way audio and video communication with each
member who is participating by videoconference call during the entire meeting.
Each participant’s face in the videoconference call, while speaking, must be
clearly visible and audible to each other participant and, during the open
portion of the meeting, to the members of the public in attendance at the
physical location described in 2, above, and at any other location of the
meeting that may be open to the public. <i>See </i>Senate Bill 984 § 1(h);
House Bill 2414 § 2(h). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
audio and video signals perceptible by members of the public at each location
of the meeting must meet or exceed minimum standards established by State DIR
rules. <i>See </i>TEX. GOV’T CODE § 551.127(i). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
audio and video signals perceptible by members of the public at each location of
the meeting that is open to the public, and each remote location, are of
sufficient quality so that members of the public at each location can observe
the demeanor and hear the voice of each participant in the open portion of the
meeting. <i>See </i>House Bill 2414 § 2(j). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If a problem occurs that causes the meeting to no longer be visible
and audible to the public at the physical space described in 2, above, the meeting
must be recessed until the problem is resolved. If the problem is not resolved
in six hours or less, the meeting must be adjourned. <i>See </i>Senate Bill 984
§ 1(f). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The governmental body must make at least an audio recording of the
meeting, and the recording must be made available to the public. <i>See </i>TEX.
GOV’T CODE § 551.127(g). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do Skype or similar platforms meet the requirements for
videoconferencing under the Act? </span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Under prior law, and the law as recently amended, State DIR is
responsible for establishing the minimum standards for the audio and video
signals related to videoconferencing. <i>Id</i>. § 551.127(i); 1 TEX. ADMIN.
CODE. ch. 209. While we are informed that DIR has verbally confirmed that Skype
is acceptable, there is no widely-available written guidance from DIR regarding
which Internet-based communication technologies meet those standards. DIR has
indicated to various interest groups (TASB, TML, etc.) that they expect to make
few, if any, revisions to their rules in response to Senate Bill 984 and House
Bill 2414. They do, however, plan to release guidelines or FAQs related to
videoconferencing by the end of 2013.</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Any DIR rule changes will be published in the Texas Register,
available at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/index.shtml. DIR
videoconferencing guidelines or FAQs will be posted in the agency’s document
library, available at </span><a href="http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/index.shtml"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/index.shtml</span></a><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If a member of the Board participates in a meeting by
videoconference call is the member counted for purposes of a quorum? </span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yes. The Act expressly provides that a member of a governmental
body who participates remotely in a meeting by means of a videoconference call
must be counted present at the meeting for <i>all </i>purposes. TEX. GOV’T CODE
§ 551.127 (a-2). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May a member of the public testify at a meeting by videoconference
call even when the entire Governing Body is physically present at its regular
meeting location? </span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yes. The Act provides that “[w]ithout regard to whether a member
of the governmental body is participating in a meeting from a remote location
by videoconference call, a governmental body may allow a member of the public
to testify at a meeting from a remote location by videoconference call.” <i>Id</i>.
§ 551.127(k). The Act does not expressly require any special notice of this type
of remote participation by a member of the public. </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Is a videoconference call the same thing as a telephone conference
call? </span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">No.</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> The Act makes it clear that a videoconference call and a
telephone conference call are alternative types of communication. <i>See e.g.</i>,
<i>id. </i>§ 551.129 (authorizing a governmental body to use a telephone
conference call, videoconference call, <i>or </i>communications over the
Internet to conduct certain consultations). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Act defines a “videoconference call” to mean “a communication
conducted between two or more persons in which one or more of the participants
communicate with the other participants through duplex audio and video signals
transmitted over a telephone network, a data network, or the Internet.” <i>Id. </i>§
551.001(7). The phrase “telephone conference call” is not defined in the Act,
and there appears to be no reported case or opinion addressing its meaning.
Nonetheless, one primary difference between a telephone conference and a video
conference call is that a telephone conference call involves only audio
communication. </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When may a Board hold a meeting by telephone conference? </span></b></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Like most governmental bodies, a School Board may hold a meeting
by telephone conference call only if both (1) an emergency or public necessity
exists; and (2) the convening at one location of a quorum of the governmental
body is difficult or impossible. <i>Id. </i>§ 551.125(a); <i>see also </i>Tex.
Att’y Gen. Op. Nos. GA-0908 (2012), JC-352 (2001). </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5084438735297797095#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a>
This blog was borrowed from content released by the Texas Municipal League
and other sources including Texas Association of School Boards, Texas
Legislative Counsel, but has been customized for charter schools and school
districts. The Firm makes no claim to ownership over this content and it is provided purely for educational purposes.</div>
</div>
</div>
Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-30619560189378982562013-07-17T10:01:00.000-07:002013-07-17T10:01:12.636-07:00
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">As you may know, if a Texas charter
school maintains a website, Texas law requires certain information be posted on
the website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To assist you in compliance
with the current laws, I have summarized the requirements for two categories of
website postings: required and allowed postings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please thoroughly check your website for
compliance with the required postings and consider adding the allowed postings
to your school website if you have not already done so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">Required
Postings (</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">O</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">nly</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> if a website is maintained)</span></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Administrative</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Post all
Board meeting notices.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Notice of School Board Meeting (Government Code, § 551.056(a)-(b))</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Post the
Board meeting agenda concurrent with the posting of the meeting notice. (Does
not apply UNLESS the charter school's primary geographic area includes all or
part of a municipality with a population of 48,000 or more.)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Agenda for School Board Meeting (Government Code, § 551.056(c))</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Post
completed Conflict Disclosure Statements and Questionnaires.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Conflict Disclosure Statements and Questionnaires
(Local Government Code, § 176.009(a), as amended by HB 1491 (80th
Legislature))</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Post names
of the members of the governing body on the home page of the school’s website. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Names of Members of Governing Body Listed on Website
(Education Code § 12.1211, as amended by SB 2 (83rd Legislature))</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Post a prominently
displayed link – no more than one click away from home page of the school’s
website – to an online message board or similar Internet application owned or
controlled by the school through which a communication or exchange of
information between Board members about public business or school policy. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Written Electronic Communications Accessible
(Government Code §551.006, as amended by SB 1297 (83rd Legislature))</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Finance</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; page-break-after: avoid; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Post a copy
of the budget adopted by the board of trustees [directors] upon final approval
of the budget and prominently display an electronic link to the adopted
budget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The budget must remain on the
website until the third anniversary of the date the budget was adopted.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Posting of Adopted Budget (Education Code § 39.084)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Post a copy
of the school’s financial statement prepared under Local Government Code §
140.005. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Publication of Annual Financial Statement (Local
Government Code § 140.006, as amended by SB 2 (83rd Legislature)) </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Post the
salary of the school’s superintendent or, as applicable, of the administrator
serving as educational leader and chief executive officer. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Posting of Chief Executive Officer Salary (Education
Code § 12.136, as amended by SB 2 (83rd Legislature)) </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Academic</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Post, at
least 72 hours prior to a hearing, the Targeted Improvement Plan the board of
trustees [directors] will consider as required by a Campus Intervention Team.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Targeted Improvement Plan (Education
Code </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">§ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">39.106(e-1)(2); 19 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Tex. Admin.
Code</span> § 97.1063)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Post notice
of an Accredited-Warned or Accredited-Probation status and provide a link to <span style="color: black;">information about the accreditation status, the
implications of such status, and the steps taken to address the areas of
deficiency identified by the commissioner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The notice shall use the format and language determined by the
commissioner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The required format and
notification language is located at </span></span></b><a href="http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/accredstatus/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/accredstatus/</span></b></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(scroll to the
“Authority and Background” section, locate “TEA required Notification
Language,” and choose either “Charter School District Accredited-Warned” or
“Charter School District Accredited-Probation”)<span style="color: black;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The notice must appear no later than 30
calendar days after the status is assigned and must remain until the school is
assigned an Accredited status.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Accreditation Status (19 Tex. Admin. Code § 97.1055(f)(3)(A))</span></i></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></u></b>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Health</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; page-break-after: avoid;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Post a
statement of physical activity policies for elementary, middle, and junior high
schools with a statement of: (1) the number of times during the previous year
the school health advisory council met; (2) whether the school adopted and
enforces policies to ensure schools comply with vending machine and food
service guidelines to restrict student access to vending machines; and
(3) whether the school adopted and enforces policies and procedures which
penalize the use of tobacco products by students and others on school grounds
or at school-sponsored or school-related activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, post a statement which provides
parents with notice that they may require in writing their child’s physical
fitness assessment results at the conclusion of the school year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Physical Activity Policies (Education Code
§ 28.004(k) and § 38.0141)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Post
prominently, in English and Spanish, the required or recommended immunizations
or vaccines for public school students, all known health clinics within school
boundaries that offer the influenza vaccine, and a link to the Department of
State Health Services website on which a person may obtain information
concerning the procedures by which someone may claim an exemption from the
immunization requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Immunization Awareness (Education Code § 38.1019(a))</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">General Topics</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Post the
“Transition and Employment Guide” for special education programs and their
parents developed by the Texas Education Agency. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Transition and Employment Guide
(Education Code</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">§ 29.0112(a), as amended by HB 617 (83rd Legislature))</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">Allowed
Postings </span></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">A</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">dministrative</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Schools <u>may</u>
post the superintendent’s contract as opposed to submitting it to the school’s
annual financial management report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Superintendent’s Contract (19 Tex. Admin. Code § 109.1005(b)(2)(A))</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">If you require further
assistance on the above, please do not hesitate to ask.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-45594124135622080092013-06-20T16:53:00.000-07:002013-06-20T17:20:42.580-07:00Procuring Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors by Texas School Districts and Charter Schools: Do I have to RFQ or Not?We have recently received a number if inquiries, many of which appear to have been generated after a recent training event on charter school facilities (not by our Firm) about whether or not a "request for qualifications" or "RFQ" for professional services for architects, engineers and land surveyors is required or not. Sure, in a pinch maybe you can get away with something less than a full-blown RFQ. But why then is it that almost everyone falls back on the good old stand by RFQ?<br />
<br />
For your consideration, here is legal authority for why an RFQ should be conducted:<br />
<br />
The Texas Attorney General has determined that “the most reasonable way to assure that such service providers [architects, engineers, surveyors] are selected on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualification to perform the services, as the statute mandates, is through a request for qualifications or similar competitive process” followed by the necessary negotiation process.[1] In its Financial Accountability System Resource Guide (“FASRG”), the Texas Education Agency (“TEA”) states that the PSPA:<br />
<br />
"requires a two-step procedure … for the procurement of architectural and engineering services. Competitive proposal procedures are recommended, where other procurement procedures are not required … to stimulate competitive prices for services. In connection with … architectural or engineering, Chapter 2254, Government Code, requires a two-step negotiation process. The two-step process only allows negotiation of price after an initial selection based upon demonstrated competence and qualifications of the person/firm."[2]<br />
<br />
FASRG also provides that, “Chapter 2254 of the Government Code does specify a two-step <b><u>proposal</u></b> process for obtaining services from architects and engineers.”[3] FASRG emphasizes the use of "proposal" which for professional services is essentially the RFQ process or something so close to it that it might as well be an RFQ.<br />
<br />
As the PSPA itself does not prescribe the exact process that must be followed, specific advice may vary from attorney to attorney in regard to methods for compliance. Nevertheless, it cannot be disputed that the two-step process must take place, and a school district must keep adequate records to document compliance with both steps. As the Attorney General and TEA have opined in their opinions and regulations, the only safe way to assure full compliance with the PSPA is to utilize something like a structured Request for Qualifications process, and such is the recommendation, and we suggest, expectation of the Texas Attorney General and the TEA have recommended.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What is the potential exposure: If your documentation is inadequate in demonstrating compliance, the contracts are subject to legal challenge by non-selected competitors and the contracts entered into may be "void" as a matter of public policy.<br />
<br />
[1] Tex. Atty. Gen. Op. No. GA-0494 (2006) (emphasis added).<br />
<br />
[2] TEA Financial Accountability System Resource Guide (FASRG), v. 12.0 (2004) (Competitive Proposals Defined) (emphasis added)<br />
<br />
[3] FASRG § 3.2.3.2 (emphasis added). The FASRG is not merely a guide as the title suggests, but is given the power and effect of law under 19 Texas Administrative Code § 109.41, which adopts FASRG as the TEA’s official rule and incorporates it by reference as a formal regulation. <br />
<br />Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-51903183846630544472013-06-12T08:12:00.000-07:002013-06-12T08:12:41.506-07:00
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recent
Legislative Updates Affecting</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Required
Website Postings for Charter Schools</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas law requires charter schools who
maintain a website to post certain information on their websites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the recently concluded 83rd
Legislative Session, a handful of additions to these requirements were made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following notes summarize these new
required postings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Names
of Governing Bodies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As part of Senate Bill 2, Chapter 12 of
the Education Code was amended by adding </span><a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/html/SB00002F.htm"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Section 12.1211</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">, which requires charter schools to list
the names of board members on the home page of the school’s website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This requirement takes effect on September 1,
2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Superintendent’s
Salary</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Senate Bill 2 also amended Chapter 12 of
the Education Code by adding </span><a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/html/SB00002F.htm"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Section 12.136</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">, which requires charter schools to post
the salary of the school’s superintendent (or the administrator serving as
educational leader and chief executive officer) on the school’s website. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This requirement also takes effect on
September 1, 2013. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">While this requirement may seem a bit
jarring and invasive at first, please remember that superintendent salaries are
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">already
a matter of public record</i></b>, as they are reported on your charter
holder’s IRS Form 990.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Written
Communications of Board Members</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Senate Bill 1297 amended Chapter 551 of
the Government Code (the Open Meetings Act) by adding </span><a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/html/SB01297F.htm"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">section 551.06</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">, provides an additional opportunity for
board members to communicate with each other without fear of violating the Open
Meetings Act.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Specifically, section
551.06 allows a charter school to create an online message board or similar
Internet application through which board members may communicate about public
business or school policy so long as: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
message board or other application is supervised or controlled by the school; </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
communication is in writing; </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
message board or other application is viewable and searchable by the public;
and</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
communication is displayed in real time and for no less than 30 days after the
communication was first posted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Schools are limited to only one message
board or similar application for posting online messages, and the online forums
may only be used by board members or staff members who have been given
authorization from the board to post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
importantly, the board cannot vote or take action required to be taken during a
meeting through the message board service, and no message board postings are to
be considered an action of the board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
requirement also takes effect on September 1, 2013.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Transition
and Employment Guide” for Special Education Programs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Finally, House Bill 617 amended Chapter
29 of the Education Code by adding </span><a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/html/HB00617F.htm"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">section 29.0112</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">, which requires the TEA to develop a
“transition and employment guide” for students enrolled in special education
programs and their parents to provide information on statewide services and
programs that assist in the transition to life outside the public school
system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once TEA publishes this guide,
charter schools are required to post it on their websites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, since this will be a huge
undertaking, the Legislature gave TEA until September 1, 2014 to complete the
guide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charter schools are then required
to post the guide as soon as it is made available. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We recommend that you begin updating your
school websites as soon as possible so that you don’t miss any deadlines set by
these new requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-79444368703951774282013-03-06T08:45:00.005-08:002013-03-06T08:45:52.674-08:00Sequestration Goes Into Effect<b>News from the Office of Grants and Federal Fiscal Compliance</b><br /><br /><b>Sequestration Goes into Effect</b><br /><br />On Friday, March 1, 2013, President Obama signed an order putting into effect the automatic across-the-board cuts to the federal budget known as the sequester.<br /><br />The following text is taken from testimony provided to the House Subcommittee on Budget Transparency and Reform on February 25, 2013. That testimony is also available online, from a link in the Chief Grants Administrator section of the Grants page of the TEA website.<br />Mostly No Retroactive Cuts<br /><br />Most federal education programs are forward- or advance-funded, meaning the state receives the majority of the federal fiscal year funding on July 1, at the end of the federal fiscal year for use primarily in the following fiscal year. USDE has reported that forward-funded programs will not be retroactively cut back to the October 1 beginning of the federal fiscal year, but will take the full reduction from the July 1 allocation. What this means for LEAs is that their school year (SY) 2012-2013 entitlements will not be reduced mid-year, but rather the full reduction will be taken from their SY 2013-2014 entitlement amounts.<br /><br />However, some local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving direct grants from USDE, such as Impact Aid programs, will start seeing federal reductions as quickly as USDE is able to calculate the reductions to grantees.<br /><br /><br /><b>Projected Amount of Reductions</b><br /><br />Many education groups following the sequestration process are calculating the estimated potential impact of the reductions. USDE has used an estimated impact of 5% while other groups have calculated reductions of 5.1% to 5.3%, which due to the two month postponement of the sequester is less than prior estimates of 8.2% reductions.<br /><br />Since Congress has not yet completed work on appropriations for fiscal year 2013, TEA can only model data based on federal fiscal year 2012 data. Actual reductions will differ slightly once federal fiscal year 2013 appropriations are finalized. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which has responsibility at the federal level for determining the actual percentage of the reductions, will release the amount and percentage of reductions required by the Budget Control Act. This process is expected to take at least 30 days.<br /><br /><br /><b>Potential Impact</b><br /><br />For discussion purposes, the state’s largest federal programs demonstrate the potential impact on LEAs.<br />
<ul>
<li>ESEA, Title I allocation could be reduced by $67-71 million depending on a 5.0% or 5.1% reduction. </li>
<li>Based on a 5.1% reduction, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, Part B) allocation is expected to be reduced by approximately $50 million. </li>
<li>The ESEA, Title III, Part A—English Language Acquisition allocation is expected to be reduced by approximately $5.2.</li>
<li>The Perkins Career and Technical Education allocation is expected to be reduced by approximately $4.5 million.</li>
</ul>
<br /><b>Planning for Next Year</b><br /><br />One of the largest concerns for LEAs (school districts and open-enrollment charter schools) is the need for more information to be able to plan for next year’s staffing, services, and program budgets. Also of concern to states and LEAs are the impact on the sequestration reductions on federal maintenance of effort (MOE) and supplement, not supplant requirements at both the state and/or local levels.<br /><br />Currently, TEA has only modeled a 10% reduction (based on earlier projected reductions). However, for some programs with hold-harmless provisions, such as Title I, Part A, in the statutory formula this 10% model suggests the "worst case" scenario. In Title I, Part A statute, the hold-harmless provision applies to state appropriations as well as LEA entitlement calculations. The LEAs that by the data are at or below the hold-harmless amounts must be guaranteed the hold-harmless amount while the LEAs above their hold-harmless amount actually have the sequester reductions taken from their allocations. All LEA hold-harmless calculations are aggregated up to the state level; meaning Texas’ overall state allocation could be reduced more than the estimated 5-5.3% by the statutory formula.<br /><br />The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has not yet received guidance from the US Department of Education (USDE) regarding the amount of cuts to federal education spending. Once the state receives more detailed information, TEA Grants Administration staff will model the reductions and make planning amounts available to LEAs. It is estimated that the entitlement/planning amount calculations will take three weeks to complete once data are received.<br />Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-47991856509378252912012-06-27T21:48:00.001-07:002012-06-27T21:48:25.829-07:00Excess Benefit Transactions and Intermediate Sanctions: Determining Reasonable Compensation<style>
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Texas
charter schools are no strangers to regulation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to the myriad of rules and
requirements that must be followed to maintain their charter agreement with the
State of Texas, the charter holder of a Texas open enrollment charter school is
a 501(c)(3) public charity and must maintain 501(c)(3) exempt status as a
condition to keeping the open enrollment charter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, it is necessary for charter leaders to
be as informed about IRS regulations as much as any other area of charter
regulation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
One
area of particular concern and continued focus by the IRS are the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>intermediate sanctions rules under Section
4958 of the Internal Revenue Code regarding excess benefit transactions. What
might at first sound like total bafflegab, the intermediate sanction rules on
excess benefit transactions actually set forth the basic rules and roadmap on how
the board of directors of a charter school, or any public charity, should
handle a transaction with an interested party, and provides a simple roadmap of
compliance not only for IRS purposes, but also conflict of interest rules generally.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Simply
put, an interested party may not be overpaid or enriched at the expense of the
organization. A prohibited excess benefit transaction occurs when a public
charity (or a 501(c)(4) organization) provides an economic benefit to a “disqualified
person” and that benefit <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">exceeds </i>the fair
value of the consideration received by the charity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If an organization engages in an excess
benefit transaction with a disqualified person, the regulations impose a
penalty tax <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">on the disqualified person</i>
– not the public charity – and any manager (board members included) who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knowingly participated </i>in the improper
excess benefit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A disqualified person must correct the excess benefit transaction by
making a payment in cash or cash equivalents equal to the correction amount to the
charity (plus interest) and paying a tax equal to 25% of the excess benefit
amount. A manager who “knowingly” participated in the transaction would be
liable for a penalty equal to 10% of the amount of the excess benefit amount. A
board member participating in the affirmative vote of the transaction by the
board satisfies the “knowingly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>participated” standard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The
penalty tax on the disqualified person gives rise to the name of the rules as
“intermediate sanctions” as it is an “intermediate” sanction imposed by the IRS
whereas previously, the only sanction available or a violation of private
inurement was revocation of the organization’s tax-exempt status. However, it
should be noted that while the excess benefit regulations <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are the current<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>enforcement mechanism by the IRS for these
types of transactions, the IRS retains the right to revoke an exempt
organization’s status for violations of private inurement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
A
“disqualified person” is defined broadly and includes any person who is in a
position (including a five year look back period from the date of the
transaction) to exert <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">substantial
influence over the affairs of the organization</i>. The definition also includes
family members of those that exert substantial influence over the organization,
and an entity owned (at least 35% or more) by such person. For charter holders,
this includes board members, officers, superintendents and other highly
compensated managers, major contributors, and founders.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Nearly
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">any </i>transaction with a disqualified
person qualifies as a transaction subject to the excess benefit transaction
regulations. The most common form, and those often the subject of IRS scrutiny,
include compensation and benefits to executives, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>real property transfers, and the payment of
personal expenses of executive employees. The standard of determining whether
or not an excess benefit has occurred is one of reasonableness and fair market
value. The regulations do not set forth any specific criteria for determining
the <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">reasonableness of compensation or the fair market value of
property, and thus, an organization must rely on pre-existing tax law
standards, particularly concerning fair market value determinations. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Instead,
the regulations offer compliance procedures known as the “safe harbor rebuttable
presumption procedures”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If an
organization follows these procedures, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the compensation to a disqualified person is presumed
to be fair and reasonable and the burden shifts to the IRS to prove otherwise:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">The
Board approves the transaction in advance without the participation of the disqualified
person; </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">The
Board obtains and relies upon appropriate comparability data; and </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(iii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">The decision
is appropriately and contemporaneously documented. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Appropriate
comparability data in the case of compensation means obtaining data on </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode";">similarly situated
organizations for functionally comparable positions, including current
compensation surveys compiled by independent firms and actual written offers
from similar institutions competing for the services of the disqualified
person. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, in determining the
compensation of a school superintendent, the charter school would want to look
at comparable salaries of other superintendents in Texas and the same city and county.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ideally, data would be drawn from charter
schools of a similar size and budget, but can also include data from private
and public schools. While the regulations do not specify the amount of comparability
data an organization should rely upon, it is clear that an organization with
gross receipts over $1 million should, at a minimum, obtain more than 3 sources
of comparability data. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode";">In the case of property, appropriate
comparability data includes current (at the time of transfer) independent
appraisals, market reports, and offers received as part of an open and
competitive bidding process.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode";">Putting the rebuttable
presumption procedures into practice is not difficult and will safeguard not
only against excess benefit transactions, but conflicts of interest generally. Organizations
seeking to comply with the safe harbor rebuttable presumption procedures often
make the mistake of not gathering appropriate comparability data sufficiently
in advance of the board decision regarding the transaction, and do not
“adequately and contemporaneously” document, in the minutes of the board, the
procedures taken by the board (including documenting the comparability data
relied upon) to ensure that the organization receives the benefit of the
presumption of reasonableness. The minutes of a board decision will be the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">only </i>evidence demonstrating whether or
not a board has complied with the safe harbor procedures, and thus, charter
school leaders should ensure that board minutes are properly and adequately
recorded. It is also advisable that the safe harbor procedures be incorporated
into a written conflict of interest policy that is easy to follow so that
identifying and addressing conflicts through proper procedures becomes routine
practice for the board of directors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span>Lindsey B. Jones</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span>Of Counsel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span>Schulman, Lopez & Hoffer, LLP </span></div>Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-56468242446679003792012-05-24T07:34:00.001-07:002012-05-24T07:34:50.297-07:00Recent EEOC Guidance on Using Criminal History in Employment Decisions<style>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The EEOC recently issued updated
guidance on the use of criminal history record information in employment
decisions. While the EEOC had previously warned against the use of arrest
records in employment decisions, since arrests alone do not establish that
criminal conduct occurred, this new guidance stakes out a more extreme
position. Now, the EEOC suggests that
even the use of criminal convictions as an absolute bar to employment can have
a disparate impact based on race and national origin, thus exposing employers
to potential Title VII claims.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">For a potential plaintiff to
make a claim for discrimination based on the employer’s use of a criminal
conviction record, the plaintiff first has to establish that the policy creates
a disparate impact. The burden then
shifts to the employer to demonstrate “that the challenged practice is job
related for the position in question and consistent with business necessity.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">See
Griggs v. Duke Power Co.</i>, 401 U.S. 424, 431 (1971). To meet this rebuttal burden, the employer
must show that the policy or practice is one that “bears a demonstrable
relationship to successful performance of the jobs for which it was used” and “measures
the person for the job and not the person in the abstract.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">See id.</i> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The new EEOC guidance
includes in its recommended “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Employer Best Practices</i></b>” that
employers eliminate policies that exclude people from employment based on any
criminal record. In its place, the EEOC
suggests that an employer develop a “narrowly tailored written policy and
procedure for screening applicants and employees for criminal conduct.” The EEOC suggests that this policy should
identify the essential job requirements and determine the specific offenses
that might demonstrate unfitness for performing such jobs. We believe that conforming to these
recommended “best practices” would be somewhat prohibitive for an employer like
a charter school, which is going to have so many different types of positions
to fill. While these are the recommended
best practices, based on the legal authority on which the EEOC builds its
disparate impact argument against using criminal conviction background in
employment decisions, there may be other less-burdensome policy options. Any such policy will have to be closely aligned
with requirements of this new guidance, which is essentially using criminal
conviction history as an employment “screen” and providing an opportunity for
individual review of the policy’s application based on the position sought.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are two potential
circumstances in which the EEOC believes employers will consistently meet the
“job related and consistent with business necessity” defense to a disparate
impact claim. They are as follows:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The employer validates the criminal conduct exclusion
for the position in question in light of the Uniform Guidelines on Employee
Selection Procedures (if there is data or analysis about criminal conduct as
related to subsequent work performance or behaviors); or</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The employer develops a targeted screen considering
three factors: (i) the nature of the crime; (ii) the time elapsed; and (iii)
the nature of the job. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">See Green v. Missouri Pacific Railroad</i>,
549 F.2d 1158 (8th Cir. 1977). The employer’s policy then provides an
opportunity for an individualized assessment of the screened applicant’s to
determine if the policy as applied (barring employment) is job related and
consistent with business necessity. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Although Title VII does not
require individualized assessment in all circumstances, the EEOC believes that the
use of a screen that does not include an individualized assessment is more
likely to violate Title VII. Thus, the
EEOC’s guidance confirms that if en employer develops a screening policy that
meets these established criteria, then it will satisfy this defense. However, if an employer’s targeted criminal
records screen is sufficiently narrowly tailored to identify criminal conduct
with a demonstrably tight nexus to the position in question, the individualized
assessment process may not even be required. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">To establish that a criminal
conduct exclusion that has a disparate impact is job related and consistent
with business necessity under Title VII, the employer needs to show that the
policy operates to effectively link specific criminal conduct, and its dangers,
with the risks inherent in the duties of a particular position. Policy should therefore include a factor that
is job related, but it is possible that this might also be accomplished
broadly, such as “any job that involves contact with students or gives access
to students.” This could be applied to cover
almost all positions at a public school. An additional suggestion might be to establish
a criminal record review committee process within the school’s employment screening
process where the purpose of the committee is to give an opportunity for an
individual assessment to “determine if the policy as applied is job related and
consistent with business necessity.” </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Please consult your legal counsel for specific guidance relating to the above EEOC Guidance.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Joe Hoffer </span></div>Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-81931170724712276342012-01-16T14:10:00.000-08:002012-01-16T14:13:44.270-08:00Independent Auditor Findings and TEA Action<div style="text-align: justify;">All public schools are required to have an annual audit conducted by a certified public accountant and to file an annual audit report with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Although most audits do not result in the disclosure of audit findings, some schools face the prospect of having to address findings of noncompliance and weaknesses in internal control. In some instances, these issues are labeled as material or significant and include questioned costs. While most school boards will not question the independent auditor and approve the annual audit report, a more prudent course of action is for the board and school administrators to question the substance and veracity of the independent auditor's finding(s) to ensure that the resulting TEA action is well founded. However, in the event that the board approves the annual audit report, this does not mean that the school does not have any other course of action but to accept the TEA's action. In truth, the board should disapprove the annual audit report if it disagress with the independent auditor's finding and include a written statement with the certificate of board citing its disagreement with the finding as the reason for its disapproval of the annual audit report.<br /><br />Pursuant to §___.405, Management decision, of Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, the TEA is required to render a management decision concerning findings pertaining to federal awards. In its management decision, the TEA is required to:<br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Clearly state whether or not the audit finding is sustained,</li></ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The reasons for the decision,</li></ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The expected action to repay disallowed costs, make financial adjustments, or take other action, and</li></ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>A description of any appeal process available to the school.</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Additionally, if the school has not completed corrective action, the TEA should provide a timetable for follow-up.<br /><br />Prior to issuing its management decision, the TEA may request additional information or documentation from the school, including a request for auditor assurance related to the documentation, as a way of mitigating disallowed costs. This latter authority is important for public schools to know in the event that they disagree with an independent auditor's finding and wish to have their disagreement heard and considered by the TEA prior to its rendering a management decision.<br /><br />In the event that the TEA does not request additional information, the school should be aware that the TEA may require a refund of the amount questioned by the independent auditor pursuant to Section 74.62(a)(2) or 80.43(a)(2) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations (34 CFR 74.62(a)(2)/80.43(a)(2)). However, pursuant to 34 CFR 74.62(b) or 80.43(b) and 76.783(a)(1), the school may have an opportunity for a hearing or an appeal of an enforcement action ordering the repayment of misspent or misapplied Federal funds in accordance with a final TEA audit resolution determination.<br /><br />As always, every school should make a good faith effort to address auditor requests for information in a timely manner. This includes maintaining an honest and open dialogue with the independent auditor so that concerns and potential issues can be appropriately addressed and misunderstandings may be avoided. However, in the event that the school and its independent auditor simply cannot agree on the basis or substance of a finding, the school should be aware that it has a legal avenue that it may pursue to address its concerns.<br /></div><br />Schulman, Lopez & Hoffer, LLP<br />By Ramon MedinaJoe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084438735297797095.post-86386371597665290722011-12-05T00:55:00.000-08:002011-12-05T01:25:14.304-08:00Corporal Punishment and Schools<div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span class="arttext" style="font-size:100%;"><div align="center"><div style="background-;color:transparent;"><p style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; white-space: pre-wrap; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">The State Legislature once again broached the topic of corporal punishment in schools. Bottom line--school districts maintained the ability to use corporal punishment under a reasonable standard but what's new is that parents have the ability to opt-out of corporal punishment. Reference HB 359 (82nd Legislature). </span></p></div></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span class="arttext" style="font-size:100%;"><div align="center"><div style="background-;color:transparent;"><p style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; white-space: pre-wrap; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">The Legislature amended revised chapter 37 of the Education Code adding Section 37.0011 providing as follows:</span></p> <ol style="text-align: justify;"><li style="background- list-style-type: lower-alpha; font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:13px;color:transparent;"> <p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 36pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; FONT-VARIANT: normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; WHITE-SPACE: pre-wrap; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0); VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">In this section, “corporal punishment” means the deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping, or any other physical force used as a means of discipline. The term does not include:</span></p></li></ol><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><ol style="text-align: justify;"><li style="background- list-style-type: decimal; font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:13px;color:transparent;"> <p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 36pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; FONT-VARIANT: normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; WHITE-SPACE: pre-wrap; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0); VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">physical pain caused by reasonable physical activities associated with athletic training, competition, or physical education; or</span></p></li></ol><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><ol style="text-align: justify;" start="2"><li style="background- list-style-type: decimal; font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:13px;color:transparent;"> <p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 36pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; FONT-VARIANT: normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; WHITE-SPACE: pre-wrap; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0); VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">the use of restraint as authorized under Section 37.0021.</span></p></li></ol></div></div></span></div><span style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" class="arttext" ><div align="center"><div style="background-;color:transparent;"> <p style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; FONT-VARIANT: normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; WHITE-SPACE: pre-wrap; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0); VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">Section 37.0011 continues to provide that ISDs may use corporal punishment so long as they have adopted a policy permitting corporal punishment but limited it by stating "</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; white-space: pre-wrap; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">unless</span>"</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; white-space: pre-wrap; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"> the parent or guardian has "previously provided a written, signed statement prohibiting the use of corporal punishment as a method of student discipline.”</span></p></div></div></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" class="arttext" ><div align="center"><div style="background-;color:transparent;"><p style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; white-space: pre-wrap; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">This opt-out concept is similar to that permitted with required vaccinations where parents can opt-out for reasons of conscience (www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/docs/EF11-13140.pdf), though this opt-out is filed with ISD. While parents can opt-out of corporal punishment, it requires an affirmative step to do so: it must be in writing, signed by the parent and must be provided to the ISD each school year. </span></p></div></div></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:times new roman;" class="arttext" ><div align="center"><div style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent"><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" dir="ltr"> </p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" dir="ltr"><span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; FONT-VARIANT: normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; WHITE-SPACE: pre-wrap; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0); VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: nonefont-size:15px;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">But, while corporal punishment may be permitted, its unclear how many ISDs still employ it as an option and this article is not intended to endorse or encourage this disciplinary method. In any case, the Education Code (chapter 22) also places other restrictions on the practice that warrant careful consideration and observation. Please consult your school attorney for more specific guidance. </span> </span></p></div></div></span>Joe Hofferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01718003751078402159noreply@blogger.com0