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Legislative Update: 89th Regular Session & Special Session
The 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature brought sweeping changes to public education, with a strong emphasis on human resources (HR) policy, educator support, and school finance. The most significant development was the passage of an omnibus school finance bill that impacts district hiring practices, compensation structures, and educator development.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACHIEVED SEVERAL KEY VICTORIES, INCLUDING:
• New operational funding;
• Increased teacher compensation;
• Targeted salary increases for support staff;
• Enhanced leave policies aimed at improving educator retention.
However, the approval of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) marked a substantial policy shift that will have lasting implications for Texas public education.
HIGHLIGHTS OF HB 2: SCHOOL FINANCE AND HR POLICY REFORM
House Bill 2 (HB 2) is a comprehensive piece of legislation that combines school finance reform with significant changes to education policy, particularly in HR-related areas. Key provisions include:
• Revised Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) and increased associated funding.
• New Local Optional Teacher Designation Grant Program to expand district-created evaluation systems.
• State-provided Teacher Liability Insurance, administered through a third-party TEA contract, to inform educators of their rights and protections.
• Teacher Retention Allotment, prioritizing experienced teachers and rural districts.
• Support Staff Retention Allotment, allocating $45 per student to support stipends or raises for noninstructional staff.
• Prohibition of District of Innovation (DOI) exemptions from parental notification requirements regarding uncertified teachers.
• Mandated certification requirements for teachers in foundational subject classrooms by specific deadlines.
• $1,000 certification incentive for uncertified teachers who complete certification.
• Mandated pay differentials, requiring certified teachers to earn more than their uncertified counterparts.
• Minimum salary premiums: $3,000 for standard certificate holders and $6,000 for residency certificate holders.
• Comprehensive reforms to Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), including requirements for traditional, residency, alternative, grow-your-own, and mentorship models.
• Mandated compensation for teacher candidates and cooperating teachers, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the preparation pathway.
These measures aim to strengthen the educator workforce, improve recruitment and retention, and enhance the quality of classroom instruction.
Implementation And Next Steps
With HB 2 now law, implementation begins in Fall 2025, though many details remain under development. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) will lead the rulemaking processes necessary to operationalize these changes.
As districts prepare for these shifts, school leaders must stay engaged, informed, and focused on student outcomes. This evolving policy environment demands thoughtful planning, clear communication, and adaptive leadership.
UPCOMING SPECIAL SESSION: KEY EDUCATION ITEMS
On July 9, Governor Greg Abbott called a special session to begin at noon on Monday, July 21, with a focus on disaster preparedness and recovery in response to severe flooding in Kerr County and neighboring regions. Education-related items on the Governor’s call include:
• Replacing the STAAR exam with alternative tools to assess student progress and ensure accountability.
• Reducing property taxes and establishing spending limits for local taxing entities.
• Prohibiting taxpayer-funded lobbying, including the use of public funds for lobbying firms or associations.
In addition to these education-related issues, the call includes twelve other topics. During a special session, only legislation related to the Governor’s stated agenda can advance. However, bills on any subject may still be filed, and the Governor may modify the call at any time or convene additional special sessions as needed. The Legislature has up to thirty days to take action on the items outlined.
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OCTOBER 28-29, 2025
AUSTIN MARRIOTT NORTH | ROUND ROCK, TX
11th Annual Title IX Conference specifically designed for K-12 administrators.
This conference is designed to provide realistic support to school administrators in order to protect both their students and their districts in matters such as Title IX regulations, promoting equity in athletics, and providing an environment free from sex-based harassment, and understanding the requirements of Title IX.
TWO-DAY CONFERENCE
October 28-29, 2025
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Two full-days for Title IX administrators
Who Should Attend
Title IX Coordinators, Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Campus Administrators, Athletic Directors, Coaches, Counselors, Teachers, and School Board Trustees
