| (a) The provisions of Texas Education Code (TEC), Chapter 39, and this subchapter shall be construed and applied to achieve the purposes of accreditation sanctions, which are specified in §97.1053 of this title (relating to Purpose). (b) If the commissioner of education finds that a district or campus does not satisfy the accreditation criteria under TEC, §39.071, the academic performance standards under TEC, §39.072 or §39.073, or any financial accountability standard as determined by the commissioner, the commissioner may lower the district's accreditation status, academic accountability rating, or financial accountability rating, as applicable, and take appropriate action under this subchapter. (c) Regardless of whether the commissioner lowers a district's status or rating under subsection (b) of this section, the commissioner may take action under this section if the commissioner determines that the action is necessary to improve any area of performance by the district or campus. (d) Subject to §97.1035 of this title (relating to Procedures for Accreditation Sanctions), once the commissioner takes action under this subchapter, the commissioner may impose on the district or campus any other sanction under this subchapter, singly or in combination, to the extent the commissioner determines is reasonably required to achieve the purposes specified in §97.1053 of this title. (e) In determining whether to impose a particular sanction under this subchapter, the commissioner may consider the costs and logistical concerns of the district, but shall give primary consideration to the best interest of the district's students. The sanction selected shall be reasonably calculated to address the district's or campus' deficiencies immediately or within a reasonable time, in the best interest of its present and future students. The following shall be considered as being contrary to the best interests of the district's students: (1) inefficient or ineffectual use of district funds or property; (2) failure to adequately account for funds; and (3) receipt of a substantial over-allocation of funds for which the district has failed to plan prudently in light of its obligation to repay the funds under TEC, §42.258. |
