HB2 Teacher Certification Compliance Plan
Baird Independent School District
Board Approved February 18, 2026

Legal Authority

Pursuant to House Bill 2 and Texas Education Code §21.003 and §21.0032, school districts may request approval from the Commissioner of Education to delay implementation of teacher certification requirements for foundation curriculum courses until the beginning of the 2029–2030 school year.

On February 18, 2026, the Board of Trustees approved this plan and authorized the Superintendent to submit an application to the Texas Education Agency requesting a delay of teacher certification requirements through the beginning of the 2029–2030 school year.

Current Status

As of the date of Board approval, Baird Independent School District has four teachers of record assigned to foundation curriculum courses who do not currently hold a valid Texas teaching certificate. These assignments are transitional and are being addressed through structured certification pathways and staffing adjustments.

Additionally, three teachers are certified but assigned outside of their certification area. These assignments are temporary and will be resolved through reassignment or certification alignment.

Transition Plan and Timeline

The District will achieve full compliance with certification requirements no later than the beginning of the 2029–2030 school year.

2026–2027 School Year

• Remove all assignments prohibited under the first phase of HB2 implementation
• Ensure elementary reading and mathematics assignments are fully certified
• Continue monitoring certification progress of teachers enrolled in preparation programs

2027–2028 School Year

• Eliminate remaining out-of-field assignments in core academic subjects
• Reduce uncertified teacher count by at least 50 percent through certification completion or reassignment

2028–2029 School Year

• Ensure all remaining transitional assignments are resolved
• Require full certification for all teachers of record in foundation curriculum courses

By 2029–2030

• 100 percent of teachers of record in foundation curriculum courses will hold appropriate Texas certification

Certification Support Strategy

To support certification completion, the District will partner with:

Region 14 Education Service Center Alternative Certification Program (EPP ID 221950)

Support measures include:

• Enrollment in approved educator preparation programs
• Monitoring of testing benchmarks and coursework milestones
• Administrative support and scheduling flexibility
• Contractual certification deadlines when appropriate

Recruitment Strategy

The District will prioritize:

• Hiring fully certified candidates for core academic positions
• Early recruitment of candidates in shortage areas
• Strategic staffing adjustments to align assignments with certification areas

Monitoring and Annual Review

Certification status will be reviewed annually during staffing and contract renewal processes to ensure continued progress toward full compliance. Adjustments will be made as necessary to meet statutory deadlines.

Board Authorization

On February 18, 2026, the Board of Trustees approved this HB2 Teacher Certification Compliance Plan and authorized submission of an application to the Texas Education Agency requesting a delay of teacher certification requirements through the beginning of the 2029–2030 school year.