Early-Start Bill for HISD Turnaround Schools Wins Approval

Legislation that would allow HISD turnaround schools to start the year early wins bi-partisan support

May 03, 2011

The Texas Senate gave approval on May 2 to a bill sponsored by Houston’s Senator Rodney Ellis and Representative Senfronia Thompson that would allow HISD schools undergoing a comprehensive turnaround to begin the school year early.

This is the first education bill to pass both chambers this legislative session. Another version of the bill won approval in the House of Representatives. The bills now move on to a conference committee, where the final language will be drafted.

The legislation would apply to any HISD school undergoing a turnaround program approved by the Board of Education, including Apollo 20 secondary schools. HISD plans for those nine schools to begin the 2011–2012 school year a week early, on August 15, 2011.

Read the full press release (.pdf).