Sec. 21.255.  HEARINGS BEFORE HEARING EXAMINER.  (a)  The hearing examiner may issue subpoenas at the request of either party for the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents at the hearing and may administer oaths, rule on motions and the admissibility of evidence, maintain decorum by closing the hearing or taking other appropriate action, schedule and recess the proceedings, and make any other orders as provided by rules adopted by the commissioner.  The hearing examiner may issue a subpoena for the attendance of a person who is not an employee of the district only if the party requesting the issuance of the subpoena shows good cause for the subpoena.  The hearing must be held within the geographical boundaries of the school district or at the regional education service center that serves the district.
(b)  A hearing examiner may allow either party to take one or more depositions or to use other means of discovery before the hearing.  The hearing examiner, at the request of either party, may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents at the deposition.  The hearing examiner may issue a subpoena for the deposition of any person who is not an employee of the district only if the party requesting the issuance of the subpoena shows good cause for the subpoena.  The deposition must be held within the geographical boundaries of the school district or at the regional education service center that serves the district.
(c)  A procedure specified in this section may be changed or eliminated by written agreement of the teacher and the school district after the teacher receives the written notice of the proposed action.
(d)  If the hearing examiner is unable to continue presiding over a case at any time before issuing a recommendation or decision, the parties shall request the assignment of another hearing examiner under Section 21.254 who, after a review of the record, shall perform any remaining functions without the necessity of repeating any previous proceedings.
(e)  The school district shall bear the cost of the services of the hearing examiner and certified shorthand reporter at the hearing and the production of any original hearing transcript.  Each party shall bear its respective costs, including the cost of discovery, if any, and attorney's fees.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.