Overview
Texas Open Government Laws
The Region 10 ESD Administrative Services department provides a variety of opportunities for school board members of independent school districts to gain training that will help them to become effective members of the school board team.
Texas Administrative Code §61.1 and Texas Government Code, §§551.005, 552.012, and 2054.5191 outline the training requirements for school board trustees of independent school districts in Texas.
Originally adopted in January 1996 and revised in July 2012 by the State Board of Education (SBOE), the Framework for School Board Development is designed to guide the vision, structure, accountability, advocacy, and unity desirable to attain excellence in student outcomes. According to State statute, Texas Education Code, §11.159, The SBOE has developed a plan for trustees of independent school districts.
The following chart taken from the School Board Trustee website of the Texas Education Agency is an excellent guide for board members and ISD administrators and staff to use to map out a plan for training and monitor completion by trustees.
| Required Continuing Education | First Year in Office | Subsequent Years in Office | Eligible Provider(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local District Orientation | Three hours within the first 120 days in office | N/A | Local District |
| Orientation to the Texas Education Code | Three hours within the first 120 days in office | N/A | Education Service Centers |
| Update to the Texas Code | Following each legislative session and of sufficient length to address major changes | Following each legislative session and of sufficient length to address major changes | |
| Team-building (Team-of-eight) |
Three hours | Three hours every year | |
| Additional Education based on Framework for School Board Development | Ten hours | Five hours every year | |
| Evaluating and Improving Student Outcomes | Three hours within the first 120 days in office | Three hours every two years | |
| Sexual Abuse, Human Trafficking, and Other Maltreatment of Children | One hour within the first 120 days in office | One hour every two years | |
| Open Meetings Act (OMA) | One hour within the first 90 days in office | N/A | Attorney General of Texas |
| Public Information Act (PIA) | One hour within the first 90 days in office | N/A | Attorney General of Texas |
| Cybersecurity | Varies by provider | Every year | Department of Information Resources |
| School Safety | Two hours within the first 120 days in office | Every two years |