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 the hiring process while still providing current employees with the opportunity to apply. 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 for certain absences.

Moreover, the bill mandates the development of training and technical assistance for school districts and charter schools focused on strategic compensation, staffing, and scheduling to promote teacher retention and professional growth. It requires the collection of data on teacher retention and recruitment, including information on vacant teaching positions, to better address staffing challenges. The legislation also modifies existing provisions regarding student removal from classrooms, allowing teachers to remove disruptive students and requiring parental notification. It emphasizes the need for a return-to-class plan for removed students, which must involve a conference with the teacher, and mandates the establishment of threat assessment teams in school districts to enhance safety protocols. Overall, S.B. No. 27 aims to create a more supportive environment for educators and students while addressing critical issues related to classroom management and school safety.

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 11, Education Code 37)
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 (Education Code 21, Government Code 825, Education Code 26, Education Code 37, Education Code 11)
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 (Education Code 21, Government Code 825, Education Code 26, Education Code 37, Education Code 11)
House 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 (Education Code 21, Government Code 825, Education Code 26, Education Code 37, Education Code 11)