Silsbee ISD board authorizes waiver request to delay new teacher-certification rules

The Silsbee Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously Jan. 13 to authorize the superintendent to prepare and submit an application to the Texas Education Agency seeking a delay of new teacher-certification requirements for foundational curriculum courses under House Bill 2.

Trustee James de Garavilla moved to approve the resolution, which was seconded by Trustee Bo Hoffman and passed by a 7–0 vote. The resolution directs the superintendent or designee to submit required documentation to TEA and to implement a Board-approved plan to reduce uncertified assignments over time.

The board packet and adopted resolution (printed in the meeting materials) cite TEA correspondence dated Oct. 16, 2025 and outline a multi-part plan. Key components include identifying uncertified assignments for 2025–26, strategies for recruitment and retention, mentor and test-prep supports for uncertified teachers, a formal partnership with an educator-preparation program identified in the packet as iTeach, annual progress monitoring, and a timeline aiming for zero uncertified teachers assigned to foundational courses by the start of the 2029–2030 school year.

The resolution was adopted “PASSED, ADOPTED, and APPROVED the 13th day of January, 2026,” with the board recording seven ayes and no noes or abstentions. The motion gives the superintendent authority to carry out related actions and requires annual reporting to the board on progress toward certification compliance.

Next steps per the resolution: the superintendent will submit the application and supporting materials to TEA and implement the district plan; any TEA approval of a delay would be subject to the agency’s review and the Commissioner of Education’s decision.