The bill, S.B. No. 900, aims to enhance the public school accountability system in Texas by introducing a new school safety domain for evaluating school districts and campuses. This new domain will assess the effectiveness of schools in promoting a safe learning environment, which includes indicators such as the security of school facilities, training for faculty and staff, student instruction on safety, and the integration of various resources into school safety programs. The bill amends existing sections of the Education Code to incorporate this new domain alongside the current domains of student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps.

Additionally, the bill modifies the evaluation criteria for school districts and campuses by increasing the number of domains from three to four, thereby emphasizing the importance of school safety in the overall assessment. The performance indicators will now include measures related to school safety, ensuring that schools are held accountable not only for academic outcomes but also for providing a secure environment for students. The changes will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, pending legislative approval for immediate implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 39.301 (Education Code 39)