Merkel ISD board directs plan to delay HB2 teacher certification until 2029–30

The Merkel Independent School District Board of Trustees voted Feb. 23 to direct the district to create a plan delaying the full implementation of HB2’s teacher certification requirements for teachers of record until the 2029–2030 school year.

"I move to create a plan to delay the full implementation of certification requirements for teachers of record until the 2029-2030 school year," said Member Brit Pursley, who made the motion. Joe Salas seconded the motion and the minutes record that the "Motion carried unanimously." The board’s attendance list in the minutes shows six members present and one absent.

Board members did not receive public comment on the item; the minutes note that no visitors registered to speak. The motion does not include details in the record about who will draft the plan or what steps the plan must contain. The minutes record the board’s action but provide no timetable or staff assignment beyond the directive to "create a plan."

The item was taken up during the called meeting at the district’s central office at 314 Manchester St. The minutes do not list any further specifics about the content of the plan or when the board expects to return with a proposed timeline or policy language.