HB2 Teacher Certification Compliance Plan

Baird Independent School District
Board Approved February 18, 2026

Legal Background

House Bill 2 amended Texas Education Code §21.003 and related provisions to restrict the use of District of Innovation exemptions for  certification requirements in foundation curriculum courses, including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

Under the revised law:

• Beginning 2026–2027, certification exemptions may no longer be used for elementary reading and mathematics assignments.
• Beginning 2027–2028, exemptions are eliminated for all foundation curriculum subjects.
• By the beginning of the 2029–2030 school year, all teachers of record in foundation curriculum courses must hold appropriate Texas certification.

Districts currently utilizing certification exemptions may request approval from the Commissioner of Education to delay implementation while  executing a structured transition plan toward full compliance.

Current Certification Review

The District conducted a review of all core academic assignments for the 2025–2026 school year.

This review identified:

• A limited number of teachers enrolled in certification pathways who are progressing toward appropriate certification
• A limited number of teachers who are fully certified but temporarily assigned outside their certification area
• One assignment requiring immediate correction due to certificate suspension

These situations are transitional in nature and are being addressed through individualized plans.

Certification Pathways

Teachers currently enrolled in educator preparation programs or actively preparing for certification will:

• Continue employment in their current assignments during program completion
• Be monitored for progress toward required exams and coursework benchmarks
• Receive administrative support and reasonable scheduling flexibility
• Be subject to certification deadlines as part of future contract terms when appropriate

The District is partnering with Region 14 Education Service Center (EPP ID 221950) to support certification completion.

Out-of-Field Assignments

Certain teachers who are fully certified are currently assigned outside of their certification area.

For these assignments, the District will:

• Utilize a one- to two-year transition period
• Reassign staff to certification-aligned positions when feasible
• Support additional certification where appropriate
• Monitor progress annually to ensure alignment prior to statutory deadlines

Immediate Compliance Action

Any assignment involving a suspended or invalid teaching certificate is not subject to the delay request.
Such assignments will be corrected immediately to ensure compliance with state law.

Transition Commitment

The Board of Trustees approved this structured transition plan on February 18, 2026, 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.

The District will achieve full certification alignment in all foundation curriculum assignments no later than the beginning of the 2029–2030 school year.