Ott's Outlook
July 2023
Summer is always a busy time in the school district as we plan and prepare for the upcoming school year. Like always, we have worked through the budget adoption process throughout the month of June because TISD has a July 1 fiscal year start date. However, the difference this year is that school districts are having to adopt budgets that consider inflation on the expense side but no additional legislative dollars from the revenue side.
Since the end of the regular legislative session, public schools have been faced with addressing underfunded safety requirements, staff compensation, inflation; and in our case, handling student growth – all without additional legislative revenue. The lack of monetary support from certain state officials has put ISDs in an upside-down position for developing next year’s budget.
Our number one asset in public education is our people. I stand by that. We can no longer watch our staff and their families be held hostage by the lack of inaction from state officials which is why Temple ISD approved a 3% compensation increase for all employees. Our students deserve to have the very best people teaching and supporting them and that is why we have and always will prioritize taking care of our staff.
Safety is another topic that remains integral to the heart of our mission. We are actively developing additional safety measures and protocols that will impact all campuses and we will have more details to share with you in the coming weeks. Some of these updates are in response to the passing of HB3, but it is important to clarify that the limited additional funding provided by this bill is completely inadequate to cover the required costs. In other words, legislators passed on additional debt to public schools, not additional safety revenue. Adding a $0.28 cent increase per child on the day of Uvalde’s one-year anniversary is disheartening to say the least. I am hopeful that legislators see this shortcoming and address it in a future special session, considering we are sitting on the largest state surplus to date. This is another example of the district stepping out to do the right thing in the absence of legislation that prioritizes public education.
We will remain informed and involved throughout the subsequent special sessions but the final impact of legislative decisions is far from over and largely unknown at this time. I plan to continue testifying and working closely with other representatives on behalf of Temple ISD, our staff and students. What I do know is that Temple ISD will continue to lead with a relentless passion for serving our community, families, students and staff.
Sincerely,
Bobby Ott
Security Vestibules
Security vestibule construction is continuing at Hector P Garcia Elementary School, Kennedy-Powell STEM Academy and Raye Allen Elementary School. The vestibules are on schedule to be ready for the start of the 2023-2024 school year and were part of the 2022 Bond package approved by voters in May of that year.
Sampson-Howard Elementary
The construction of Sampson-Howard Elementary School has reached another milestone as steel work is underway. The school is scheduled to open in the fall of 2024.
Girls Practice Soccer Field
The installation of sod is underway on the girls practice field approved as part of the Bond 2022 package. The project is on track to be completed and ready for use when practice starts.
Did you know?
Wildcat Pitmasters BBQ Team - National Overall 2023 Reserve Champions
In their first year of existence at their first national competition, our students placed 5th place in flank steak tacos, 4th place in chicken and 1st place pork butt and were named overall Reserve Champions!
Behind the Tweet
We have launched new episodes of our Behind the Tweet podcast to stay connected with out Temple ISD family over the summer. Each episode tells the more in-depth story behind some of our most popular social media posts. Click below to start listening!
You can nominate a special Temple ISD alum for our Alumni Spotlight!
Temple ISD has a long history of excellence and we have had many, many graduates who have gone on to exemplify our vision to become influential and impactful leaders in their local communities and beyond. Temple ISD Alumni Spotlight will feature alumnus and alumna that have represented our community and our district in a positive way.
To nominate yourself or a Temple ISD graduate, please complete our online Alumni Spotlight Nomination Form. Nominations will be reviewed and candidates selected by the Temple ISD Board of Trustees Policy Committee
What's happening Around Town?
Check out our online family newsletter with information about events happening across our community! Click below to learn more...