Legislative Advocacy

The adoption of the Allotment for Basic Costs (ABC) was an innovative addition to school financing, whittling away at the 30% cumulative inflation districts have experienced since 2019. However, the ABC remains far below the increase in actual costs districts have faced in these budget areas. Ask: Increase the ABC to account for inflation experienced since 2019.

Progress has been made with the adoption of the Teacher Retention Allotment, increases to TIA, new support systems for teacher recruitment and retention, and the recently-formed Texas Classroom Commission. Texas trustees advocate for continued work to recruit and retain the educational workforce required to support student success. Ask: 1. Review Teacher Retention Allotment on a regular basis so that the pay of Texas teachers increases to a level comparable to the national average. 2. Strengthen healthcare benefits and direct a comprehensive actuarial study of TRS solvency followed by any necessary actions to protect current and future retirees, including a meaningful benefit enhancement (13th check) for retirees. Use a portion of the $7.5 billion federal reimbursement for border security to make the TRS actuarily sound. 3. Monitor recommendations of the Teacher Classroom Commission for potential legislative action.

Legislative actions, supported by Boerne ISD trustees, has produced a reduction of our tax rate by $0.35 since 2019 and a large increase in the Homestead Exemption. Despite increases to the average BISD home value of 70% since 2019, the average homeowner under age 65 is paying 3% more in school taxes in 2026 vs 2019. Those over age 65 (or disabled) have seen significant reductions in their school taxes. Yet commercial property owners have not benefited to the same degree as homeowners. Ask: Provide meaningful, sustainable property tax relief to both homeowners and, importantly, commercial property owners and local businesses, provided that the State of Texas replaces reduced property tax revenue with state aid.

It is essential that money allocated to K-12 public education be directed to the classroom to the greatest extent possible. Ask: 1. Streamline statutory and regulatory provisions in the Education Code that free up administrative time, restore more local control, and save taxpayers money. 2. Conduct an in-depth review to determine the cost of unfunded mandates required of school districts followed by efforts to rectify this.

Since 2019 the percentage of Boerne ISD students receiving Special Education services has increased dramatically to 19%. Ask: Evaluate and assess the impact of HB 2 on Special Education services to ensure that the appropriate level of financial support is given to school districts to properly educate students.