The fourth special legislative session ended on December 5. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the outcomes and the implications for Goose Creek CISD. Despite our collective hopes and efforts, I am disappointed to share the news that the session has ended without the agreeable results we had anticipated for the betterment of public education.

GCCISD works tirelessly to advocate for the needs of our students and staff. We engage with legislators, voice our concerns, and champion policies that enhance the quality of education in our community. Despite these efforts, the session concluded without the comprehensive support we had sought.

One of the major challenges school districts face is lack of state funding. Because the state holds the largest surplus in its history - $33 billion - we had hoped for increased investment in our schools to address crucial needs such as classroom resources, teacher salaries, and facility improvements. Regrettably, the session failed to provide the basic financial commitments to adequately support the needs and further development of our educational institutions.

While the 2019 school finance and tax-cut legislation raised the basic student allotment to $6,160, ending its plateau for a decade from 2009 to 2019, the Texas Legislature has not adjusted the basic allotment since then. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that inflation in Texas has been on the rise since mid-2021 and now is as high as 9 percent. Had the Legislature adjusted the basic allotment for inflation in 2022, as estimated by BLS annually, the basic allotment would be $7,075, which is $915 more than what each district is receiving per student. Based on the BLS inflation rates, this amounts to over $22 million owed to school districts of our size with nearly 25,000 students in 2022. Must we wait another 10 years to receive another adjustment to meet the minimal needs of our students?

I call upon each of you to stand united in commitment to our children. Now, more than ever, we must advocate for the resources essential to nurturing our students’ potential. Let us rally together, amplify our voices, and tirelessly fight for the future of public education. You can reach out to your elected officials terri.leo-wilson@house.texas.gov, briscoe.cain@house.texas.gov, ana.hernandez@house.texas.gov, brandon.creighton@senate.texas.gov, carol.alvarado@senate.texas.gov, and mayes.middleton@senate.texas.gov and charge them to support your children’s public education and urge them to advocate for increased funding for public schools. The desire to fund private schools through tax-payer funding should in no way be related to the obligation to educate all children through the public education system as established by this nation from its origin as a commitment to our desire to provide opportunity to all citizens for advancement in their personal lives through attainment of a quality basic education.

Remember, the strength of Goose Creek CISD lies in our unity and resolve. Let’s stand up for our students and ensure they receive the resources they need to thrive. After all, our children are the future of our community.

Thank you for your unwavering support.

Dr. Randal O’Brien

Superintendent of Schools