Money Matters in Magnolia ISD
They say money can’t buy you happiness, but it sure does help pay the bills.
In Magnolia ISD we keep the main thing – our students – the main thing. But you better believe money matters when it comes to being good stewards of our taxpayer dollars and providing opportunities and resources to support student learning and success.
In MISD, we provide all the amenities of a large, urban district with the small-town feel of a close-knit community. New and modern facilities and advanced programs attract great families and outstanding teachers, but programs and people cost money.
And money for schools,
at least in Texas,
has been in short supply.
Texas Schools Face Budget Woes Amid Rising Costs
Schools across the state of Texas are facing budget constraints as inflation rises and state funding remains flat. Despite a $32.7 billion surplus, Texas’ 88th Legislature did not increase the basic student allotment nor did they provide funds to address teacher salaries. Instead, districts were left with more under-funded mandates and empty promises.
Texas ranks 40th among 50 US states in funding public education.
Texas teachers are paid about $8,000 below the national average.
The Texas Legislature has not increased the $6,160 basic student allotment since 2019. That’s five years of continually being asked to do more, with less, despite inflation and rising costs
Thankfully, Magnolia ISD has a history of strong fiscal responsibility.
Conservative spending, paying off voter-approved bonds early, and balanced budgets have positioned our district well during hard economic times. But just like many of our families, we have felt the impact of rising costs for utilities, fuel, labor and services.
Truth is, driving a bus costs more today than it did five years ago; serving a hot plate lunch costs more than it did five years ago; and the simple act of turning on the lights or water costs more than it did five years ago.
And that’s just the beginning…
The competition for qualified teachers has intensified since the COVID pandemic and the state’s most experienced educators and leaders are exiting the profession at alarming rates. It’s getting harder and harder for Magnolia ISD to recruit, retain and reward its dedicated teachers and support staff.
The Money Matters project promotes transparency and truth in school funding. We believe sharing basic funding facts and figures with Magnolia ISD taxpayers will create greater understanding of the challenges facing Texas public schools, and more specifically, our district. Our overarching goals are to Educate and Engage.