Duncanville ISD to apply for delay of HB 2 teacher-certification rules, citing local staffing shortages
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Summary
Trustees approved submitting an application to the TEA commissioner to delay enforcement of HB 2 certification requirements after staff reported the district had 110 uncertified teachers (58 in foundation courses) and cited statewide data showing high shares of newly hired uncertified teachers.
The Duncanville Independent School District board on Dec. 15 voted to submit an application to the Texas Education Agency seeking a delay of new teacher-certification requirements enacted under House Bill 2.
Ms. Brown told trustees the application is in response to statutory changes that remove certain district-of-innovation waivers and tighten certification rules for foundation courses. She cited TEA data that 67% of newly hired teachers in the 2024–25 school year were uncertified and said the district currently employs 110 uncertified teachers, 58 of whom are assigned to foundation courses (ELAR, math, science and social studies). On average, the district hires about 94 uncertified teachers per year, staff said.
Ms. Brown said the state has posted an application for districts to request delayed enforcement through the 02/2030 school year and that the state is offering supports, including fee waivers and stipends for teachers completing certification requirements. "They are providing certification fee waivers and reimbursements," she said, and noted other state supports and incentive stipends for certified-completing teachers.
Trustees asked for a grade-level breakout (elementary vs. secondary) for uncertified teachers; staff agreed to provide that data. Following discussion, the board approved the motion to submit the application (vote 5–0).
Staff said the application process involves a rolling review by the commissioner with decisions shared by March 31; the delay request is intended to maintain instructional continuity while the district and state support teachers through certification pathways.