Spring - Klein Edition | July 2023

EDUCATION

FIGHTING FOR FUNDING While the state’s basic allotment has remained stagnant since the 2019-20 school year, Klein ISD has raised its starting teacher salary by $7,400 in the same time frame. Returning Klein ISD employees to get raises despite lack of additional state funding ination rate over the past few years,” Schaefer said during a June 13 board meeting. “House Bill 100, which BY HANNAH BROL

Despite a lack of additional funding for public education from the 88th Texas Legislature, returning Klein ISD teachers and Teacher Retirement System of Texas-eligible employees can still look forward to receiving pay raises in the 2023-24 school year. The background: KISD ocials were advocating for a meaningful adjustment to the basic allotment in the 88th Texas Legislature, which has remained at $6,160 annually for each student in average daily attendance since the 2019-20 school year. Since then, a 14.5% increase in costs was seen statewide between 2019 and January 2023, according to the Texas comptroller’s oce. Another 5%-7% increase in costs is expected over the next two years before the Legislature reconvenes, meaning Texas public schools may be looking at a roughly 21% increase in costs by 2025. What happened: KISD Chief Financial Ocer Dan Schaefer previously noted district ocials were keeping an eye on a handful of bills related to funding for public education, including House Bill 100, which related to the compen- sation of public school educators and to the public school nance system, including enrollment-based funding for certain allotment under the Foundation School Program. “I would love to say there was some historical changes made but unfortunately, the $33 billion surplus remained unchanged when it comes to utilizing for public education, even though we’ve seen a 14%-plus

was the primary driver of additional funding through this session, unfor- tunately died in the Senate, so we ended with really no improvements to the basic allotment for students, which is our primary funding source.” The regular session of the 88th Texas Legislature concluded May 29. While two special sessions have already been called for the 88th Texas Legislature, the only topics to be addressed include property tax reform and border security. Current situation: Without any meaningful adjustment to public education funding from the state, KISD ocials proposed and unan- imously approved the district’s 2023-24 budget based on current law in a special-called meeting June 19. According to a June 20 email from KISD ocials, the approved budget included a comprehensive employee compensation plan, which includes the following highlights: • All returning KISD teachers will receive a minimum pay increase of $3,600. This includes a $2,600 salary increase plus a one-time $1,000 retention stipend to be included on the Oct. 20 paycheck. Additional increases will be given to experienced teachers. • KISD’s starting teacher salary will remain at $60,000 per year. KISD increased its starting teacher salary in May 2022 from $57,800 to $60,000. • All other returning TRS-eligible employees will receive a pay

The basic allotment is the legislatively mandated apportionment of funds that goes to each school district annually for each student in average daily attendance.

Statewide basic allotment

$6,160

0 $8,000 $6,000 $4,000 $2,000

$5,140

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

*2023-24

*PROJECTED BASIC ALLOTMENT BASED ON CURRENT LAW

Klein ISD starting teacher salary $52,600

$60,000

$40,000

$20,000

SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, KLEIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER 2018-19 2020-21 2019-20 2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

increase of 2% of the 2022-23 control point in their pay grade plus a one-time $1,000 retention stipend to be included on the Oct. 20 paycheck. TRS-eligible employees working less than full-time will receive half of the incentive. • Hourly wages for various support positions are also being raised. Quote of note: “Our dedicated teachers and employees are truly valued in Klein ISD,” KISD Superin- tendent Jenny McGown said in an email. “I’m proud to serve in a school

district where our outstanding board of trustees voted ‘yes’ unanimously to ensure well-deserved raises for our hardworking educators. These board members, who the Klein community continues to re-elect and trust, always show with their actions that steady, strong leadership over the years positively impacts our Klein students, sta£ and community.” What’s next: Schaefer said he is hopeful that another special legisla- tive session will be called to address public education funding needs.

your local geico agent makes bundling simple. Home + Auto = easy Home+Aut r o o o a a b p d a b o A o=easy your local geico agent simple.

you need to know about your community in 5 MINUTES

LOCAL OFFICE

Jerry Coker 713-224-3426 ¡Hablamos Español!

Morning Impact to your inbox. COMMUNITYIMPACT.COMNEWSLETTER

SPRING KLEIN EDITION • JULY 2023