Houston Democrats

TAXES & MONEY
The Senate version establishes a statewide property tax of $1 per $100 of valuation--a 1/3 cut in income. While the bill provides for $3.2 billion in additional funding, the Senate's HB3 substitute will not be available for another week or so, so we don't know how increases would be paid for. I would argue that even more money is needed and that some of the increases were developed to appease some of the more rural state reps, and not to improve the quality of education for ALL students.

As far as paying for the increase in funding and the decrease in tax income, chances are they will increase certain taxes to make up the lost money. The bill also allows a local increase in the property tax rate of up to 15 cents over six years for "enrichment" purposes. Of course, while a property-wealthy district can raise substantial amounts of money at this rate, poor districts will be left with little enrichment.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS vs CHARTER SCHOOLS
One item that provided a red flag was the Instructional Facilities Allotment. While "regular" public schools will have the allotment doubled to $500 per student, charter schools will be given up to $1000 per student if these campuses reach exemplary or recognized status. Seems to me that it is those public schools that serve the vast majority of students that need some funding enhancements to assure adequate instructional facilities. The Senate seems to want to do away with low-performing charter schools, while increasing funding to those deemed successful by TEA. Nonetheless, there is some obvious inequity in vastly improving facilities for schools of less than 500 students, while doing little for schools falling apart in mega-districts like HISD.

TEACHER RAISES & BENEFITS
The Senate provides for an immediate $1000 raise for teachers, as well as returning to the $1000 health insurance supplement. The $1000 raise hardly provides a cost of living increase, and more than misses the mark of the state's attempt to meet national standards in teacher pay.

INCENTIVES FOR IMPROVING SCHOOLS
The Senate plan calls for incentives to schools with over 65% low-socioeconomic population if they show the most improvement. The problem is that low performing schools need added funding NOW to reach "improved" status. You can't win a prize without having the equal opportunity to participate in the game.

"Refocuses all schools in preparing
for post-secondary education"
And how do they do this? By linking school ratings to the level of college readiness and ranking all schools according to college readiness. Basically, it sounds like the Senate wants to make it easier for some of the more selective state universities (UT/A&M) to target their recruiting to those schools that have the most talented students. Of course, this would ignore those students that made it through some of the low-performing schools and still achieved academically.

So, while the Republicans will be "selling" the good parts of the bill, such as free tuition for children of teachers who have taught for 15 years, or funding for college entrance exams (SAT/ACT), or a program to grow leaders locally from current staff, or increases in bilingual education at the secondary level, there are certain points to this bill that definitely do not pass the smell test.

I know I'll be further scrutinizing this bill and hope for all of you to do so, as well, and provide your own comments. The bill is available at the Senate website.