El Paso – If a proposed bill makes it through the Texas Legislature this spring, parents had better think twice before skipping a scheduled parent- teacher conference.
Missing the meeting could result in a Class C misdemeanor citation and a fine of up to $500.
“Parents should be involved in their children’s education and be held accountable for it,” said the bill’s author, state Rep. Wayne Smith, R-Baytown. “This bill gives teachers and school administrators another tool to guarantee parental involvement in schools.”
House Bill 557 states that parents would receive a citation if they are summoned by a teacher via certified mail and fail to show up to any of three proposed meeting times.
The bill would not apply to the twice-a-year open houses school districts organize, only to meetings set specifically by a teacher with a parent.
Some teachers and teacher groups opposed the bill.
“It’s a shame that it’s come to this. This is like legislating morality,” said Glenda Hawthorne, president of the Socorro Education Association.
The reaction among parents was more mixed, with some saying they hope the bill becomes law.
“I take pride in being involved in my children’s education, and I wish more parents would do the same,” said Patty Lopez. “If we have to force parents to go talk to teachers, I think that’s a good thing.”
