AUSTIN, Texas — Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan has announced a new committee to focus on education in the Lone Star State.
The 15-member House Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment will "consider issues that broadly affect educational opportunities for K-12 students in Texas," according to a press release from Phelan's office. Those issues include ensuring all Texas children are able to receive a quality education, improving outcomes and modernizing both assessment and accountability measures in schools.
"This committee will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Texas, ensuring that our students have equal access to quality education while simultaneously supporting our dedicated educators and institutions," Phelan said in the release. "With a special session all but certain, the select committee will begin working immediately to closely examine this subject matter and develop a workable roadmap for legislation in the House."
The committee will be tasked with submitting an initial report of options for providing more education opportunities to K-12 students by no later than Aug. 11.
The following state representatives will be part of the committee:
- Brad Buckley (chair)
- Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (vice chair)
- Trent Ashby
- Keith Bell
- Harold Dutton
- James Frank
- Cody Harris
- Cole Hefner
- Gina Hinojosa
- Ken King
- Oscar Longoria
- Will Metcalf
- Matt Shaheen
- James Talarico
- Gary VanDeaver
"Each of these members brings to the table a deep knowledge of and commitment to promoting educational excellence, and I am confident that their collective expertise will guide us toward effective solutions," Phelan said.