Lancaster ISD to seek TEA waiver delaying HB2 certification deadlines for core teachers

Lancaster ISD staff asked the board to approve an application to the Texas Education Agency for a delay — or waiver — of teacher-certification requirements imposed by House Bill 2. Miss Cherish Pipkins presented the district's plan, noting training events and supports intended to move teachers toward certification.

"We are requesting your approval to apply for a delay of teacher certification requirements with the Texas Education Agency," Pipkins said, explaining the waiver would delay certification requirements for core classes until the beginning of the 2029-30 school year to provide time for strategic staffing assignments.

Pipkins told the board the district has, as stated in the presentation, "4 60 teachers" and that "95 of those teachers are uncertified," with 44 in K-5 reading or math classrooms and 38 in secondary core courses; the transcript contained numeric phrasing with spacing and possible transcription artifacts. She described professional-development events held in the fall, TEA one-time incentive payments of $1,000 for newly certified teachers who remain with the district, stipend opportunities and partnership reimbursements (Commit Partnership) to support testing costs.

Trustees pressed for additional detail on professional development paths and AI-based teacher supports; Pipkins and other staff said the district provides campus and district-level training, practice testing sessions, study-buddy opportunities and a pilot AI support tool (partner referenced as HACE) to help teachers prepare for certification.

Next steps: the board will consider formal approval to submit the waiver application to TEA at its next meeting and staff will provide any requested supplemental detail on supports and timelines.