More Pay, But Why?
What to know: Keller ISD has money troubles and declining enrollment, but nevertheless, its newly-hired superintendent has just been given “a higher salary than his predecessor.” The new superintendent’s starting pay: $285,000 (excludes benefits).
The TPPF take: Money is tight and students are fleeing. So why are some education elites getting paid more and more?
“Sky-high superintendent salaries are a symptom of a larger problem—which is, the utter lack of fiscal discipline,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “Public schools today seem incapable of controlling spending, resisting borrowing, or setting reasonable compensation limits, even when their circumstances scream for prudence. Because they are either unwilling or unable to treat taxpayers well, it may be time for legislative intervention to establish some reasonable guardrails.”
For more on superintendent salaries, click here.
No More DEI
What to know: The city of Dallas has ended its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
The TPPF take: Good riddance.
“Race and gender-based discrimination are already prohibited by the federal and state constitutions, and as Gov. Abbott contends, municipalities that participate in it are already exposed to legal action,” says TPPF’s Steve Rowe. “Still, legislators have an opportunity to end these race and gender-centric policies at the local level next legislative session.”
For more on DEI, click here.
Limiting Taxes
What to know: Texas cities and counties could soon face tighter limits on how much they can raise taxes without the voters’ approval.
The TPPF take: The Texas Senate has passed Senate Bill 9, a bill to reduce the voter-approval tax rate limit from 3.5% to 2.5%.
“SB 9 is a win for every Texas taxpayer tired of seeing their tax bills explode and their tax relief evaporate,” says TPPF’s Jose Melendez. “This is the type of reform that will ensure that tax cuts provided by the Texas Legislature last longer than a New York-minute.”
For more on limits on taxes, click here.