TASB 2008-10 Advocacy Agenda Priorities
As Amended October 3, 2009
Adequacy
The current education system is not adequately funded. TASB supports an inflation-indexed educational funding structure that provides increased state funding commensurate with the escalating cost of education, including the rising costs of utilities and transportation, the ever-increasing standards for student performance, and the cost of technology to help students achieve at higher levels.
Alignment of the State and Federal Accountability Systems
TASB supports a single, less complex accountability system that recognizes individual student progress, reduces state testing, and implements constructive measures before sanctions.
Career and Technology Education Programs
TASB shall support expanding the "4x4" curriculum to include career and technology courses with credit and funding beginning in middle school; promoting multi-district cooperatives reflective of the local workforce; and seeking funding to implement career and technology programs and funding for certification exams.
Dropout Rates
TASB supports increased funding for the implementation of programs in public schools that identify and provide interventions and curricular opportunities for at-risk students beginning at the prekindergarten level to decrease dropout rates.
Equity
TASB supports an equitable formula-funded school finance system that allows community access to equal amounts of total revenue per local tax effort, allows the public school system to capture fully the benefit of increasing property values, and recognizes communities' unique challenges arising from differences in student populations.
Facilities Funding
TASB shall support legislation that would increase equalized facilities funding for both the Instructional Facilities Allotment (IFA) and Existing Debt Allotment (EDA).
Prekindergarten
TASB supports educational opportunities for Texas students through an expanded prekindergarten program at local district option, including funding for expanded eligibility or a full class day.
Unfunded Mandates
TASB supports funding the actual cost of any required programs and services implemented by laws, rules, and regulations, and opposes the imposition of any new unfunded or underfunded mandates.
Vouchers
TASB opposes private school vouchers, tuition tax credits, scholarships, and other such programs funded with public tax dollars.