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The salary disparity between Texas teachers and the national average has become a significant concern. During the 2023-24 school year, Texas teachers are expected to earn an average of $62,463, which is over $9,000 below the national average, according to the National Education Association's analysis of Texas Education Agency data. This gap highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring competitive compensation for educators in the state. Additionally, Texas' full-time school support staff, including bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and secretaries, earned an average of $30,382 during the 2022-23 school year. These figures underscore the economic pressures faced by essential school personnel, who often earn wages that are not livable. The funding for Texas schools also presents challenges. The state spent approximately $12,781 per student in the current school year, which is significantly less than the national average. This spending includes a $6,160 basic allotment per student, which has not seen an increase since 2019. The stagnant funding is causing school districts to struggle with budget constraints, leading to potential cuts in programs and staff, and making it difficult to attract and retain qualified teachers. Efforts to adjust teacher pay and enhance school funding did not advance in the 2023 Texas Legislature, largely due to debates over education savings accounts. This program, which was ultimately rejected by the Texas House, overshadowed other legislative efforts to improve public school funding.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

For much of America's K-12 education system, "local control" is a bedrock principle, but state takeovers of school districts continue to take place. Research shows that these takeovers often fail to make desired financial improvements and disproportionately benefit non-Black districts. Scholars have found little evidence linking takeovers to academic outcomes. Despite this, several districts across the country are currently under state control, with Houston ISD in Texas a high-profile example. State takeovers involve firing existing school and district leadership and replacing them with state-appointed officials. Recent research shows that takeovers contribute to increased per-pupil spending, but majority-Black districts receive only a fraction of that boost. Factors that precipitate takeovers include struggling districts, school boards with people of color, and court rulings ordering more funding for high-needs students. While state takeovers remain a possibility for many districts, there is some evidence of a shift away from this practice, with states including Tennessee and Michigan exploring other mechanisms to help school districts improve test scores and eliminate budget deficits. 

 

Education Week News

Title III funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is crucial for supporting the linguistic and academic development of English learners in the United States. Originating with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002, these grants are specifically designed to supplement the core educational services that states and districts are required to provide, emphasizing that Title III funds must not replace existing resources. As English learner populations grow, the demand for targeted educational support increases. Title III funds are allocated based on state-determined formulas, primarily reflecting the number of English learners and recent immigrants. These funds support various educational services such as enhanced instructional programs, professional development for teachers, and family engagement initiatives, which are pivotal for the academic success of English learners. However, the effectiveness of Title III is often hampered by inadequate funding relative to the rising number of English learners and the cost of essential educational services. This underfunding limits the reach and impact of programs intended to bolster English proficiency and academic performance. Moreover, the rigid stipulation that Title III funds only be used for supplementary services means essential costs like ESL teacher salaries and mandatory educational materials must be covered by other funding sources. This situation underscores the need for a reassessment of funding levels and strategies to ensure that English learners receive the comprehensive support necessary to thrive academically.

 

Education Week

Austin ISD board of trustees are considering asking district voters to authorize a higher property tax rate to address a $30m budget deficit for the 2024-25 school year. The district is already planning $30.4m in cuts to next year's budget, but even with those cuts, a deficit is still predicted. If voters approve the higher tax rate, the district could use the additional revenue to give teachers and librarians a 3% raise, hire registrars for elementary and middle schools, hire instruction coaches for all campuses, and give other employees a 1% raise. The district is also facing significant financial challenges due to recapture payments. A tax rate election could be a way to avoid more painful cuts and keep the doors open.

 

Austin American-Statesman

Tuloso-Midway ISD has announced that David Crabtree will be the next principal of Tuloso-Midway Primary School. Crabtree, currently an assistant principal at Corpus Christi ISD's Los Encinos Elementary School, will replace Laura Davila at the end of the 2023-24 school year. Superintendent Steve VanMatre expressed confidence in Crabtree's ability to bring innovative ideas and a strong commitment to student success. Crabtree has 14 years of experience in campus leadership roles in CCISD and holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He will officially assume the position on July 8.

 

Caller-Times

Georgia-Pacific is partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Diboll for the sixth consecutive year to offer students an after-school mentoring program called Power Hour. The program helps students succeed academically and socially, providing support in reading, math, and time management skills. Steve Davidson, president/CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Deep East Texas, expressed gratitude for Georgia-Pacific's continued support, stating that Power Hour can have a significant impact on students of all ages.

 

Lufkin Daily News

Killeen ISD trustees and school principals have reviewed the district's new System Scorecard in a board workshop. The System Scorecard is part of KISD's commitment to create a high-performance management system, which aims to gather feedback and voices from stakeholders. The scorecard is still being developed by school leaders. "Priority 1" of the scorecard was presented in a slide presentation by Nancy Patterson, the chief college, career, and military readiness officer for Killeen ISD. The scorecard is expected to bring significant changes to the district's education system.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Students in Slaton, Texas will continue attending school only four days a week for another year. Slaton ISD School Board members approved next year's calendar after receiving positive feedback from parents. A survey conducted earlier this semester showed that 85% of parents believe the four-day schedule has had a positive effect on students. Superintendent Shelli Crow mentioned that students appreciate the extra day off to catch up on homework, college work, rest, and play. This decision comes after the district completed the first year of a three-year program. The long weekends are enjoyed not only by students but also by other members of the community.

 

Kcbd Tv

The Hallsville ISD Board of Trustees has approved the purchase of new specially adapted playground equipment for the East Elementary campus. Special Education Director Amy Collins presented the proposal, stating that the current equipment is not age-appropriate for the students. After considering proposals from three vendors, Child's Play was chosen as the vendor due to their ability to provide all necessary services. The proposal includes a custom playground structure, shade canopies, installation, rubber surfacing, and warranty, totaling $87,480. The funding for the purchase will come from the IDEA-B Formula Special Education federal grant fund. The motion to approve the purchase was unanimously passed by the Board of Trustees. This investment will provide a more suitable and engaging play environment for the students at East Elementary.

 

Marshall News Messenger

Cy-Fair ISD administrators have announced plans to cut more than half of all librarian positions, leaving only 42 librarians to oversee 92 campuses. The decision comes as the district faces a $138m budget deficit. Librarians were blindsided by the news and expressed shock and devastation. Parents also expressed concerns, as they believe librarians play a crucial role in their children's academic success. They have organized protests and created an online petition to voice their concerns. Other districts in Texas have also made similar cuts due to a lack of state funding.

 

KTRK-TV