Let's champion public schools, not voucher schemes
Your voice counts! Lawmakers are expected to vote this week on a voucher proposal. Yet, in a recent poll, the vast majority of Texans said the focus should be on teacher salaries and additional funding for public schools, not sending taxpayer money to unaccountable schools that get to pick and choose their students. The state is sitting on a record budget surplus but has failed to make any meaningful increases to public education funding since 2019. Will you take one moment to contact your representative and ask them to oppose vouchers and focus on funding our schools?
Advocacy events scheduled for 2024
It's more important than ever to stay informed on issues related to public education and to advocate at the state and national levels. TASB's advocacy at the state Capitol begins with regional Grassroots Meetings, held in even-numbered years, where school leaders gather and discuss the most important legislative issues facing their schools. On the national level, registration is now open for the Texas Federal Advocacy Conference, happening Feb. 12-13, in Washington, D.C. The first day of the conference will feature influential speakers and educational panels to inform trustees about the latest developments in federal education policy. The second day will focus on meetings with legislators.
Now accepting session ideas for Governance Camp
TASB's annual Governance Camp will take place Feb. 28-March 2 in Galveston, and session submissions are now open. To submit a presentation idea, complete the application by Jan. 13. Accepted sessions come with two complimentary registrations for the board-superintendent team. Student Voice is a big part of Governance Camp and there are multiple opportunities for students to get involved in the event. Students can present a session, participate in the demo and pep rally, or apply for the scholarship panel.
Superintendent Salary Survey shows slight compensation increase
The median salary for a Texas school superintendent in 2023-24 is $150,000, an increase of 0.7% from the prior year, according to the annual TASB and Texas Association of School Administrators Superintendent Salary Survey. The survey is conducted each fall to help school districts across the state understand compensation trends. This year's survey included participation from 736 districts, representing 72% of districts in Texas. Read more.
New TASB website launching in 2024
Starting in early 2024, TASB will debut a new, modern website to better serve its members in a major redesign of tasb.org. “We’re excited and proud to be launching an enhanced online experience for our members,” said Dan Troxell, TASB executive director. “The new tasb.org will offer easier navigation and a more modern design. It’s part of our commitment to providing high-quality solutions and services to our members.” Learn more.
Get the 2024 School Board Recognition Month planning kit
Each January, we honor the community volunteers who serve on their local school boards. The 2024 School Board Recognition theme is Locally Elected, Community Connected. To help districts recognize their local trustees, TASB prepares a School Board Recognition Month planning kit each year. The kit is full of ideas for honoring board members and letting the community know about their many contributions and includes sample materials like certificates, a news release, and graphics.
Administrative professionals conference to be held Feb. 8-9
The TASB Conference for Administrative Professionals is scheduled for Feb. 8-9 in Austin. This event offers intensive training and networking opportunities for administrative support personnel at the district level. Training topics cover policy, human resources, A-F Accountability, artificial intelligence, and more. Registration is now open.
BuyBoard rebates $10.8 million to more than 1,300 members
The Local Government Purchasing Cooperative (Cooperative), also known as BuyBoard®, announced its most inclusive rebate to date, returning $10.8 million to 1,322 Cooperative members across Texas, including public schools, colleges and universities, and local governmental entities. The 2022-23 rebate is the largest to date, benefiting more Cooperative members than ever before. Since 2006, the Cooperative has rebated about $100 million back to its members.
Salazar-Zamora selected as Texas nominee for National Superintendent of the Year
Tomball ISD Superintendent Martha Salazar-Zamora has been selected by the Texas Association of School Administrators as Texas’ nominee for 2024 National Superintendent of the Year, an award given by AASA, The School Superintendents Association. As a nominee for National Superintendent of the Year, Salazar-Zamora will be considered by a panel of judges from across the U.S. that will select four finalists to be interviewed in January.
Mark your calendars: April is Million Mile Month
TASB, TASA, and the Texas Association of School Business Officials invite you and your district to participate in Million Mile Month, a free virtual wellness challenge sponsored by HealthCode, during April 2024. The goal is to complete one million miles of physical activity together as a global community. Your district's participation is a great way to engage your employees in an activity focused on health and wellness while building on camaraderie and school spirit. Are you in? Let us know by completing this brief survey by Nov. 30.