New Parental Rights Training Now Required for Texas School Board Trustees

by Rhonda Crass

Senate Bill 204, enacted during the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature (2025), added Texas Education Code § 11.159(b-2), requiring the State Board of Education (SBOE) to develop a training program on parental rights in education for school board trustees. The SBOE adopted the training in April 2026, and it is now available through TEA Learn. Districts should act now to ensure compliance for current and future trustees.

Who Must Complete the Training, and by When

Current trustees. Every trustee sworn in as of January 1, 2026 must complete the training by September 1, 2026 (SB 204, Section 3).

Newly elected trustees. Trustees sworn in after the May 2026 election have 120 days from the date they were sworn in. For example, a trustee sworn in on May 20 must complete the training by September 17.

Recently appointed trustees. An appointed trustee must complete the training within 120 calendar days of appointment. A trustee appointed after January 1, 2026 but before May 1, 2026 is already past the 120-day mark; because the training only recently became available, that trustee should complete it by September 1, 2026.

Future candidates. Beginning with future election cycles, a candidate may complete the training up to one year before being elected or appointed, allowing candidates to satisfy the requirement proactively.

This is an annual requirement, not a one-time training.

About the Course

The training must be completed through the official SBOE online course delivered via TEA Learn. It runs approximately five hours and concludes with a test. Trustees must create a TEA Learn account, which is open to anyone. Support is available on the TEA Learn Help Page, and technical issues (account creation, registration, or access) can be submitted through a Help Desk ticket.

District Responsibilities

Districts must maintain verification of completion for each trustee. Establish a tracking process now, For example, a compliance log recording each trustee’s completion date and certificate so that you are ready for any audit or public inquiry. We recommend the following additional steps:

Notify all elected trustees of the requirement and provide instructions for setting up a TEA Learn account.

Set an internal completion deadline for current trustees as part of the board’s operating procedures. SB 204 does not specify one beyond “required,” but prompt completion reduces risk.

Build the 120-day deadline into onboarding procedures for newly elected or appointed trustees.

Encourage board candidates to complete the training up to a year before election, where applicable.

Remind trustees to submit their completion certificates to the district staff member designated to collect and retain them.

Please do not hesitate to contact any of the attorneys at Leasor Crass for additional information and assistance.

Great Service, Professional Staff

Leasor Crass has been an invaluable asset to Wylie Independent School District for 8 years. As a trusted advisor and reliable guide, the firm has consistently supported us through every challenge we’ve faced. Their common sense and pragmatic approach to the law have earned them greater trust with each passing year. We feel incredibly fortunate to have them represent our school district. With their ongoing support and guidance, we are confident in our ability to overcome any obstacle as we continue to strive for educational excellence.

– Dr. David Vinson, Superintendent, Wylie Independent School District

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