Texas School Leaders Welcome Teacher Raises but Urge More Flexible Funding

School administrators from across Texas gathered at the Capitol this week to express both appreciation and concern over a proposed $7.8 billion public education funding plan making its way through the Texas Senate. While school leaders welcomed new investments in teacher pay, early childhood programs, and special education, many warned that the proposal does not address fundamental financial challenges districts face, particularly the lack of flexible funding for essential but often overlooked staff such as bus drivers and custodians, as reported by San Antonio Express-News.

The central issue, according to multiple superintendents, is the Senate plan’s minimal increase to the basic allotment, the per-student funding that school districts can use for general expenses. The proposed $55 increase falls far short of the more substantial boost proposed earlier by the Texas House.

“We all have leaks. They could be bigger, they could be smaller, they could be at the front or the back. But we have to have a correct plug for each one of our holes. In doing the basic allotment, we can adjust or fill those holes as needed,” Donald Hesemen, superintendent of West Hardin County Consolidated ISD, told San Antonio Express-News.

The funding package, supported by Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows, would direct most of the new money toward permanent teacher salary increases. Depending on experience and district size, raises would range from $2,500 to $10,000, a move lawmakers say reflects their commitment to rewarding educators.

Sen. Brandon Creighton, who authored the bill, emphasized that targeted funding was the most effective way to maximize the impact of state dollars. “If we just increase the basic allotment by itself, that would not happen for our teachers,” Creighton said, stressing the need for sustainable salary enhancements.

But educators argue that focusing so narrowly on teacher pay leaves major gaps. Brandon Enos, superintendent of Cushing ISD, highlighted the critical roles played by non-teaching staff. “Bus drivers ensure our students arrive safely, cafeteria workers feed them, and custodians keep learning environments clean,” he said. “We can’t support student success without these people.”

The bill does include targeted spending beyond teacher pay, $1.3 billion for special education, for example, but the limited increase to the basic allotment has drawn bipartisan concern. Public education advocates note the per-student funding amount has remained unchanged since 2019, and increasing it by just $55 falls far short of keeping up with inflation. Estimates suggest a $1,500 hike would be necessary to match rising costs.

Though many rural leaders were careful to align their remarks with conservative values, often affirming local practices like school prayer and patriotic displays, some still urged lawmakers to revisit the House version of the funding plan.