School Board Trustee Training

The board of trustees of an independent school district is a corporate body that has the exclusive power and duty to oversee the district management and evaluate the performance of its superintendent. All powers and duties not specifically delegated by state law to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or State Board of Education (SBOE) are reserved for the trustees.

Texas Education Code, Chapter 11, Subchapter D defines the powers and duties of an independent school district board of trustees. 

The Framework for School Board Development outlines the vision and goals, systems and processes, progress and accountability, advocacy and engagement, and synergy and teamwork needed to provide local educational programs and services that will promote excellence in student academic achievement. Initially adopted in January 1996, the framework was revised by the SBOE in November 2020.

Texas Education Code, §11.159, requires the SBOE to provide a course of training for independent school district boards of trustees.

School Board Training Requirements 

Continuing education requirements for independent school board trustees are established in Texas Education Code, §11.159, Texas Administrative Code §61.1 and Texas Government Code, §§ 551.005, 552.012, and 2054.5191. This table provides a summary of these requirements. Use the links in the Eligible Provider(s) column to find a provider.

Required
Continuing Education
First Year
in Office
Subsequent Years
in Office
Eligible Provider(s)
Local District Orientation Three hours within the first 120 days in office N/A Local District
Orientation to the Texas
Education Code
Three hours within the first 120 days in office N/A Education Service Centers
Update to the Texas
Education Code
Following each legislative session and of
sufficient length to address major changes
Registered Providers
Authorized Providers
LSG Coaches
Team-building
(Team-of-eight)
Three hours Three hours every year Registered Providers
Authorized Providers
LSG Coaches
Additional Education based on Framework for School Board Development Ten hours Five hours every year Registered Providers
Authorized Providers
LSG Coaches
Evaluating and Improving Student Outcomes Three hours within the first 120 days in office Three hours every two years Authorized Providers
LSG Coaches
Sexual Abuse, Human
Trafficking, and Other
Maltreatment of Children
One hour within the first 120 days in office One hour every two years Registered Providers
Authorized Providers
LSG Coaches
Open Meetings Act (OMA) One hour within the first 90 days in office N/A Attorney General of Texas
Public Information Act (PIA) One hour within the first 90 days in office N/A Attorney General of Texas
Cybersecurity Varies by provider Every year Department of Information Resources
School Safety Two hours within the first 120 days in office Every two years TEA Learn
Technical Support

 

Team Commendation

Local board-superintendent teams that, together, receive at least eight hours of continuing education specified in Texas Administrative Code §61.1(k) are eligible for commendation. The SBOE established this commendation in recognition of the importance of working together as a team for the benefit of Texas students. Complete and submit the commendation eligibility form to apply.