October 5, 2023
Dear Sherman ISD families and staff,
Today, Governor Greg Abbott called a third special session of the 88th Texas Legislature for the purpose of passing voucher legislation to provide private school subsidies with taxpayer funds, among other items. Missing from his call was any reference to school funding increases, which are sorely needed to address record inflation, increase teacher pay, and fund new, unfunded state requirements related to safety and security.
Just as you have felt the impact of inflation, Sherman ISD is seeing significant increases in the cost of utilities, fuel, insurance, food, and other expenses necessary for operating our schools. Our teachers and staff deserve cost of living adjustments just to keep up with the rising costs of groceries, health care, and gas. Unfortunately, the school finance system does not increase funding when inflation rises, and contrary to common belief, when your property values rise, schools do not receive more money for raises or operating expenses. Instead, the state gets to fund less of the system.
This year, despite a historic budget surplus, state lawmakers have failed to allocate necessary funding to public schools. More than $14 billion in new per-student funding is needed just to give school districts across the state the same buying power as in 2019. Only $2.6 billion has been provided. Regrettably, instead of helping public schools keep up with rising costs, state leaders are focused on pushing through subsidies for private education. The fact that teacher pay raises, school safety, and public school funding are missing from the topics to be covered during the upcoming special session speaks volumes about the misplaced priorities of our state leadership regarding education.
Article 7 of the Texas Constitution states that it is “the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools.” I am proud that our public schools serve every student who walks through our doors, regardless of their background or circumstance. Thanks to robust student opportunities in career and technical education, advanced academics, dual credit, athletics, fine arts and more, Sherman ISD offers families more choices than any other school or school system in Grayson County.
The state of Texas has adequate funds to provide both increased funding for public schools and property tax relief. As a result of the tax compression passed earlier this year, Sherman ISD’s 2023 tax rate is the lowest in more than two decades. Homeowners will see even lower tax bills if Texas voters approve a large increase in the homestead exemption in November.
With significant increases in revenue expected over the next two years, the Legislature could choose to fully fund public education and stabilize our schools by tying funding to inflation. Instead, a faction of Texas politicians inspired by Governor Abbott are withholding teacher pay raises and public school funding for the purpose of forcing voucher legislation. This faction of Texas politicians is pushing a separate educational system that would divert public funds to private schools during a time when our public schools are underfunded by billions of dollars. Our elected Sherman ISD School Board stands firm in opposition to vouchers, and they stand in support of appropriately funding public education.
Please pay close attention to the actions of our lawmakers during this upcoming special session, and join me in being a champion for public education. Contact your representatives, ask them to support our teachers and staff, and let them know how important public education is to our state and community.
Now is the time for your voice to be heard.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tyson Bennett
Superintendent of Schools
