| In
1965, the 59th Texas Legislature authorized the
State Board of Education to establish media centers
throughout the state. Two years later, the State
Board of Education divided the state into 20 regions,
assigning each media center to begin operations
and serve in each region. In 1966-67, Title III
of the U.S. Elementary and Secondary Education Act
provided funding for start-up costs associated with
establishing supplementary educational centers.
Each regional center received a Title III planning
grant of $67,524. Additional Title III funds were
received through cooperative agreements with districts
in the region. These funds were used to develop
the Regional Educational Service Centers as we know
them today.
The
60th Texas Legislature expanded the Regional Service
Centers' services and designated the roles of each
service center in coordinating educational planning
for the region. Additional funds were not appropriated,
so the centers operated on funds derived from media
services and federal Title III planning grants,
which amounted to about $85,000 per center.
In
1984, the Texas House passed Bill 72, which directed
the Regional Service Centers to work closer with
the Texas Education Agency and school districts
to raise the quality of district programs, and enhance
uniformity and consistency in district operations.
In
January 1992, the State Board of Education adopted
revised rules for the operation of the Service Centers.
Under these rules, the commissioner of education
participates in the selection of and approved the
hiring of executive directors, annually evaluates
each executive director's performance, and approves
each center's operating budget. In 1997, the 75th
Legislature reauthorized the existence of the Education
Service centers by passing Senate Bill 1158.
Today, Region VII continuously works hard to improve
student performance by professional development
and providing educators with the latest technology
tools to make a positive impact on student performance
and expand opportunities for all students. |