I. State Policy Update: 65% Rule Update and Draft Language
II. Special Session

I. 65% Rule Update and Draft Language

The draft rule for the 65% proposal, which would require districts to direct a minimum of 65% of expenditures to direction instructional activities, should be posted on the Texas Register (http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/issues.shtml) on April 21. The draft rule crafted by Commissioner Shirley Neely and staff at the Texas Education Agency (TEA) does include school library/librarian costs (essentially Function Code 12 expenditures).

Once the rule is published on Friday, the public will be able to offer comments for 30 days. After the 30 days, the Commissioner may amend the rule, depending on the nature of public comments.

The draft rule may be accessed at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/commissioner/proposed/0406/ch109aa.pdf. The worksheets that accompany the rule specify the inclusion of Function Code 12. TEA background information is available at: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/commissioner/proposed/0406/109-1002a-ltrprop.html.

TLA is grateful to Commissioner Neeley and TEA staff for recognizing the important role of school librarians in delivering direct instruction to students. The library position in this effort has been directly focused on the issue of a state definition of classroom instruction. Our message was very straightforward: ANY definition of direct instruction in Texas needs to include school librarians.

To send a letter to Dr. Neeley: Dr. Shirley Neeley, Commissioner of Education, Texas Education Agency, 1701 N. Congress, Austin, TX 78701.

For additional background information, go to: http://www.txla.org/pubs/texline/051026.html/.

II. Special Session Opens

The Texas Legislature convenes today for the start of the Third Special Session of the 79th Legislature. Governor Perry has directed to the Legislature to work on tax reform and school finance. The State is under a deadline to find a new way for paying for public education by June 1.  Governor Perry has said that he will consider expanding the call of topics the Legislature may consider only once the school finance issue has been resolved.

The primary issues for libraries include the potential for tax caps on local governments (which might impede a local community’s ability to pay for library services) and the overall funding for schools. Additional information will be posted on Texline as legislative committees begin work.