Every parent sends their child to school with the expectation of safety, respect, and every opportunity for success. As your state representative, I work to ensure that changes reflect the priorities of families and educators here in Williamson County. From strengthening parental involvement to closing gaps in student safety, it is time to restore trust in our schools.
Parents feel left out of the decision-making process surrounding their child’s instruction and teachers are asked to take on responsibilities beyond their role. These factors create an environment that places students at risk when the systems fail.
The legislation passed this session addresses these challenges by affirming parents as the first decision makers in their child’s upbringing while giving teachers the guidance and protection necessary. In a fast-growing county like ours, clarity and accountability are essential.
Senate Bill 12 is one of the most significant education reforms of the session because it deals directly with the relationship between families, teachers, and schools. At its core, the law cements parents’ entitlement to full transparency and teachers’ rights to maintain order in their classroom with clear boundaries and responsibilities.
In recent years, educators were often asked to carry out duties tied to diversity or compliance programs that went far beyond classroom instruction. The new law removes those expectations and defines a teacher’s role more narrowly, giving them the freedom to concentrate on lesson planning, student engagement, and academic progress. With clearer rules, teachers are less likely to be placed in the middle of policy disputes or administrative confusion.
The new grievance process also benefits teachers. In the past, disputes often lingered or fell back on classroom staff without resolution. SB 12 establishes timelines and a step-by-step procedure that ensures concerns are directed to administrators and school boards rather than left unresolved at the campus level. Teachers gain confidence that complaints will be handled fairly and consistently, which protects their time and professional integrity. When expectations are clear and processes are consistent, teachers can dedicate their energy to students instead of navigating conflicting demands.
Across the state, parents asked how they would know if the grievance process worked. SB 12 requires districts to submit annual reports to TEA regarding resolutions and the number of grievances filed. The agency must then publish statewide data, making it clear if issues are being addressed fairly and consistently. This new level of transparency builds confidence, but it only matters if the information is easy for families to access and understand.
For parents, SB 12 guarantees access to instructional plans, classroom materials, and library books. Information requests that once met with delays, fees, or inconsistent policies across districts are no more. Schools are required to make this information available in a timely and consistent manner, preventing misunderstandings and ensuring that parents can engage regarding curriculum with teachers.
The law also restores the requirement for parents to “opt in” before their child participates in human sexuality instruction. This reverses the previous “opt out” approach, ensuring that families make a conscious, informed choice about the introduction of these lessons. SB 12 broadens this by requiring parental consent before a child can receive healthcare services at school, whether that involves administering medication, counseling, or collecting biometric information. These provisions instill confidence that families will not be excluded from decisions affecting their child’s health and development.
TEA has been directed to adopt rules and procedures to guide districts in implementing the law. Those rules will make an important distinction between “health care services,” which require parental consent, and ordinary “health-related services” such as providing a bandage, applying ice, or offering a rest break.
These everyday supports are part of the normal duty of care in schools that should never be withheld. SB 12 was never intended to stop a nurse from helping a student who scrapes a knee or feels unwell. It was designed to ensure parents remain involved in sensitive medical or instructional decisions, such as mental health counseling or longer-term care.
While SB 12 codifies transparency and parental involvement, Senate Bill 571 addresses student safety. Gaps in law allowed misconduct to slip through the cracks. SB 571 closes those gaps, strengthening oversight and setting higher standards for those working in schools.
One central reform is the expansion of the state’s Do Not Hire registry. In previous years, this registry primarily applied to certified teachers. Meaning substitute teachers, bus drivers, contractors, and even employees in private schools were not always covered. SB 571 changes that.
Any adult who works in school settings and interacts with children in a public school, charter, or private program, must be vetted. That means peace of mind that students will not encounter individuals who should never be allowed to work around children.
The bill also tightens reporting requirements. In the past, many districts handled allegations internally, delaying or limiting investigations. SB 571 requires schools to report allegations of misconduct immediately to the TEA and law enforcement, not just ISD police. This ensures independent investigators review concerns early, preventing conflicts of interest.
Oversight is another piece of SB 571. The law requires more consistent monitoring of district compliance with reporting standards and case handling. It brings charter and private schools under the same rules as traditional districts, closing loopholes for overlooked misconduct. This uniformity ensures that bad actors cannot simply move from one type of school to another.
SB 571 also recognizes that teachers must be protected against false allegations, as even unfounded accusations can damage a teacher’s career and reputation. The law requires removal of unsubstantiated claims from personnel files, ensuring due process during investigations for educators. This is not about shielding wrongdoers but ensuring fairness and accountability for genuine misconduct.
Parents gain confidence that concerns are investigated promptly and independently. Teachers are assured of integrity and fair treatment. Students benefit from safer classrooms and better protection from those who do harm.
Major reforms raise important questions, and both SB 12 and SB 571 have generated thoughtful discussion. These conversations are not weakness in the law but opportunities to make sure implementation truly serves families and teachers.
SB 571 protects the identity of individuals who report misconduct, allowing disclosure only to law enforcement or the TEA. Safeguarding confidentiality encourages reporting and shields whistleblowers from retaliation.
However, some parents argue that it leaves families unaware of investigations taking place at their child’s school. Parents want transparency, but without confidentiality protection, witnesses may be discouraged. The Legislature will continue monitoring this issue, and input from families and educators help refine the balance between privacy and parental awareness.
These questions are healthy, and they reflect the seriousness with which parents and teachers take their roles. Passing a law is only the first step. The real test is how it works on the ground, and that requires continued oversight, communication, and willingness to adjust when necessary. My commitment is to keep listening to families in Williamson County and ensure that implementation strengthens trust in every classroom.
Parents have more access to information and a stronger voice when concerns arise. Teachers gain role clarity and protection against unbased accusations. Students gain safer schools and classrooms focused on learning. Our county is growing quickly, and with growth comes higher expectations for our schools
I will continue pressing for clear guidance from state agencies, listening to concerns, and advocating for policies that keep students safe, and families informed. Education is too important to leave to chance.
In Williamson County, we have a tradition of supporting our schools together. This legislation builds this tradition by giving greater transparency, respect, and protection. By working together, we can ensure classrooms remain places where children are safe, families are valued and learning stays at the center.