S.B. No. 27 seeks to enhance the rights and support for public school educators in Texas by amending various sections of the Education Code. Key provisions include reducing the notice period for filling vacant teaching positions from ten to five school days, which allows districts to expedite hiring when necessary. The bill also introduces a new method for calculating salary reductions for teachers on unpaid leave, ensuring that the daily rate is based on the annual salary divided by the expected workdays for the school year. Additionally, it establishes a grant program to reimburse school districts for increased contributions to the Teacher Retirement System when hiring retired teachers and allows teachers to opt out of using paid personal leave concurrently with unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act in specific circumstances.

Moreover, the bill mandates the development of training and technical assistance for school districts and charter schools, focusing on strategic compensation, staffing, and scheduling to promote professional growth and retention of teachers. It also introduces a Teacher Time Study to analyze the impact of scheduling and non-instructional duties on teachers' work hours and proposes grants for implementing these initiatives. The legislation revises procedures for student removal from classrooms, allowing teachers to remove disruptive students while requiring parental notification and a return-to-class plan discussed in a conference with the teacher. Additionally, it mandates the establishment of threat assessment teams in school districts to enhance safety and support for students and staff, ultimately aiming to create a more supportive environment for both educators and students.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 11.1513, Education Code 21.105, Education Code 21.160, Education Code 21.210, Education Code 21.257, Education Code 37.002 (Education Code 21, Education Code 37, Education Code 11)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 11.1513, Education Code 21.105, Education Code 21.160, Education Code 21.210, Education Code 21.257, Education Code 26.011, Education Code 37.002, Government Code 825.4092 (Government Code 825, Education Code 37, Education Code 11, Education Code 21, Education Code 26)
Engrossed: Education Code 11.1513, Education Code 21.105, Education Code 21.160, Education Code 21.210, Education Code 21.257, Education Code 26.011, Education Code 37.002, Government Code 825.4092 (Government Code 825, Education Code 37, Education Code 11, Education Code 21, Education Code 26)