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
When Texas lawmakers began the 89th Legislative Session on January 14, 2025, the state had an estimated $21 billion in surplus revenue going into the new session.
Schools across the state of Texas continue to face budget constraints as inflation rises and state funding remains flat. The Texas Legislature has not increased the $6,160 basic student allotment since 2019 nor provided funds to address teacher salaries.
As the Legislature begins the January 2025 session, bills include an education voucher program, school safety, student discipline, and funding for specific education programs.
There is no indication that the state is considering increasing the basic student allotment, but there is optimism that there may be some funds for teacher pay.
Adjusting for inflation, the median Texas teacher earned roughly $5,000 less in 2023 than in 2020.
(Source: Charles Butt Foundation 2024 Texas Teacher Poll)
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.