State representative outlines key education and security bills during Crowley ISD meeting

Representative Helen Kerwin addressed the board during the public participation period, summarizing outcomes from the recent legislative session and two special sessions and highlighting bills she described as important to the district. “We passed some really good bills,” Representative Kerwin told trustees, and she singled out legislation she characterized as limiting certain foreign investment in Texas real estate, measures addressing grid and cyber security, and bills on election procedures and enforcement. On education policy, Kerwin discussed HB 2, a school funding bill she said directs raises for eligible teachers and includes dedicated funds for nonadministrative staff and mentorships: “Every eligible teacher sees a raise… Permanent pay raise for teachers 3 and 5 years. Permanent. Not a bonus,” she said. Kerwin also discussed changes to assessments and early literacy efforts, noting a three-part testing model for monitoring progress and funding lines for early learning, special education and career and technical education. She described SB 6 as providing teachers clearer authority to remove disruptive students and said the session included provisions she expects will reduce discipline-related disruptions. Kerwin thanked advocates who supported an increase in the homestead exemption that she said will lower property tax bills for many homeowners and invited district leaders to contact her office with ideas. Her remarks were delivered as public comment; they did not prompt board action during the meeting.