Bill

SB 1318

85(R) - 2017
Senate Education
House Public Education
Senate Education
House Public Education
Charter Schools 
Education
Public Education

Companion Bill

HB 2014

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Van Taylor

Sponsor(s)

Tan Parker

Bill Caption

Relating to designation of mathematics innovation zones by the commissioner of education and to the establishment of pay for success programs to provide necessary funding.

Fiscal Notes

A negative impact of ($12,500,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2019; the bill limits the allocation to eligible campuses for the program to $12,500,000 for the 2018-19 biennium. Costs discussed in this estimate beginning in fiscal year 2020 are based on anticipated program design and participation in subsequent years.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

SB 1318 would authorize the state to designate certain school districts and open-enrollment charter schools as mathematics innovation zones and award public and private grants to such institutions for the implementation of innovative mathematics instruction. Private gifts, grants, and donations for designated zones may be facilitated by “pay for success” programs that provide financing on the basis of measurable achievement of the innovation zone. Gifts and grants provided during the fiscal biennium ending in August, 2019 would be capped at $12.5 million.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Addressing educational issues and how to better provide services is within the function of state government per our state constitution. Providing more innovative programs is likely to produce a better end result. For this reason we support this bill. We also note that to truly boost the competitive and innovative spirit which would improve education for all Texans, the legislature should pass full parental choice reform to allow education funds to follow the student to whatever school or model of education the parent and student consider appropriate. Only with true school choice will the benefits of competition and innovation revitalize our public school system.