Superintendent Dr. Carpenter
Dear Eagle Families,
Thank you for your continued support in our legislative advocacy on TakeActionArgyle.com. Friday, you received an email regarding Governor Abbott’s called special session that began Monday in Austin. Governor Abbott’s issued proclamation identified agenda items and unfortunately, public school funding was NOT on this agenda. As you have heard me say before, we will NOT give up advocating for public school funding reform.
Yesterday, Trustees Josh Westrom and Leigh Ann Artho joined me in Austin to represent Argyle ISD as the Special Session was called to order at 1:00 p.m. and the Senate Finance Committee met at 2:00 p.m. The committee discussed Senate Bill 2 legislation, not yet on the special session agenda, that includes teacher compensation and funding for public schools. SB2 did, however, pass out of the Senate Finance Committee yesterday and is expected to be debated in the Senate this week. A Senate-prepared summary of the bill can be found here.
Fortunately, we were able to publicly testify on behalf of Argyle ISD in front of the Senate Finance Committee. This discussion was a critical step, and we are hopeful that it will result in the progression of SB2 in the special session. We urge you to view the recording of this Senate Finance Committee meeting to observe first-hand the discussions and testimonies. While SB2 is a start, it is nowhere near enough! It begins with a minimal $75 increase to the basic student allotment during a time of record inflation and an allotment that has not been increased since 2019.
We sat down with Senator Tan Parker, State Representative Lynn Stucky, and State Representative Richard Hayes to discuss the specific scenarios of why this is not enough! We are grateful for the opportunity to convey our testimony to them as they continue to work on reform to public school funding. As a follow-up, Senator Parker’s office called this morning to ask for additional information about the funding challenges we are facing. This advocacy work is making a difference!
We will continue to advocate! As this special session progresses, our voices become even more important, and we still need your help!
Presently,
Argyle ISD is one of few districts in the state that has received the Formula Transition Grant since 2019 and faces a significant funding cliff beginning with the 2024-2025 fiscal year when FTG expires,
Argyle ISD is still subject to losing approximately $250,000 back to the state via the Robin Hood “recapture” formula,
And there has been NO CHANGE to the per pupil basic allotment since 2019, despite 40-year record inflation. Did you know this equates to over $1,200 more per student than what we actually receive under the current funding formula?
Our high-performing district is at risk of significant funding reductions that could impact AISD’s ability to appropriately plan for growth, as well as adequately offer award-winning programs and innovative student opportunities.
Please continue sending emails via our TakeActionArgyle.com website. We still need your phone calls! Contact our Governor, Senator, and State Representatives to advocate how critical it is to add public school funding to this special session. Argyle ISD is providing our stakeholders with a phone script on what to say and who to contact to make this process easier for each of you. We know that a personal phone call can make a big difference!
I have personally heard from many of you that you are grateful for an opportunity to advocate for our Eagles! Stay the course, stay active! Thank you for taking action in our advocacy efforts because #TogetherWeSoar!
#TogetherWe Soar,
Courtney
Argyle Independent School District
Argyle ISD is a fast-growth public school district in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with 5,300+ students and nearly 700 employees. The District includes six campuses. Argyle ISD is a 13-time UIL Lone Star Cup Champion.
Website: argyleisd.com
Location: 6701 Canyon Falls Dr., Flower Mound, Texas 76226
Phone: (940) 464-7241
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArgyleISD/
Twitter: @argyleisd
Instagram: @argyleisd
Flickr Photos: Argyle Eagles