‘Passing The Trash’ in Texas Schools

November 12, 2025 – Across Texas public schools, concerns are resurfacing over what specialists call the “passing the trash” practice—where educators accused of misconduct quietly resign or are reassigned rather than facing accountability, only to take up new roles elsewhere. Advocates say the trend leaves students vulnerable and undermines trust in the system.

Despite earlier reforms, recent reports found that some school districts continue to miss required steps, allowing individuals previously flagged for improper conduct to remain in education settings. Evidence suggests that gaps in reporting and inconsistent oversight still allow misconduct to slip through the cracks.

In response, the Texas Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 571, which tightens enforcement by requiring all school personnel—including contractors—to be screened through a centralized “Do-Not-Hire” registry. The law also lowers the window for mandatory district reporting of misconduct from seven business days to just 48 hours.

While the legislation marks a significant step, critics say implementation will determine its success. They warn that without robust audits, independent oversight or transparent public disclosure, the same patterns may continue. Parent advocacy groups urge school boards to adopt stronger internal procedures and more transparent hiring practices to ensure that once flagged, an educator cannot simply shift to another campus.

For many Texans, the reforms arrive long overdue—after years of seeing trusted schools handle allegations internally and fail to follow through. With the new law in place, the hope is that the phrase “passing the trash” becomes a relic of the past.