January 3, 2024
Dear Coppell ISD Parents and Community,
As the Superintendent and President of the Board of Trustees for Coppell ISD, we join forces to convey our unwavering commitment to advocating for our district during a possible upcoming and unprecedented 5th special session of the Texas Legislature.
Despite the availability of a record $32 billion in excess revenue during the regular legislative session last spring and the subsequent four special sessions, there has been a notable absence of a significant increase in per-student funding for Texas public schools. Our collective priority for this possible upcoming special session is clear — to secure the necessary resources for Coppell ISD and all public schools in Texas. This includes ensuring competitive compensation for our dedicated teachers and staff, a critical factor in maintaining the excellence of education in our community.
It's imperative to understand that CISD has limited local control over how our tax revenue is allocated to our students. The state legislature determines the basic allotment per student, and any surplus tax revenue in CISD beyond this allotment is recaptured in the widely recognized "Robin Hood" system. Since 2019, the state has not increased the basic allotment per student, despite a cumulative inflation rate exceeding 20%. Adjusting for inflation would mandate a minimum funding increase of up to $1,000 per student — a figure that doesn't cover the rising costs of special education services absorbed by school districts. Texas currently ranks in the bottom 10 nationally for per-student funding and without substantial action to adequately fund public schools, this unacceptable situation will continue to persist.
Governor Greg Abbott's emphasis on expanding school choice through education savings accounts funded by public tax dollars, commonly known as a school voucher system, raises concerns. We strongly urge the Legislature to prioritize properly funding public schools before considering allocating public tax dollars to private schools, which lack oversight and transparency.
To make a meaningful impact in Austin, we will continue to actively engage in constructive dialogues with state legislators now and during any possible special session. However, your voices are crucial. We urge each of you to express your input and feedback to our elected officials.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott
Mailing address:
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711-2428
Capitol number: (512) 463-2000
Email: https://gov.texas.gov/apps/contact-us/opinion
Texas State Senator Tan Parker
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 12068
Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711
Capitol number: (512) 463-0112
District number: (214) 361-3561
Email: tan.parker@senate.texas.gov
Texas State Senator Nathan Johnson
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 12068
Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711
Capitol number: (512) 463-0116
District number: (972) 701-0349
Email: nathan.johnson@senate.texas.gov
Texas State Representative Julie Johnson
Mailing address:
Room E2.310
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
Capitol number: (512) 463-0468
District number: (972) 247-2087
Email: julie.johnson@house.texas.gov
Texas State Representative Benjamin Bumgarner
Mailing address:
Room E1.418
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
Capitol number: (512) 463-0688
District number: (817) 491-7305
Email: ben.bumgarner@house.texas.gov
Texas State Representative Terry Meza
Mailing address:
Room E1.204
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
Capitol number: (512) 463-0641
District number: (214) 596-9101
Email: terry.meza@house.texas.gov
At Coppell ISD, our mission is clear — "Working together, we are committed to creating profound learning experiences for each child, while nurturing meaningful relationships to positively impact our world." As we navigate this potential special session, we remain optimistic that the spirit of "working together" will resonate throughout the state, ensuring adequate funding for public education and enabling all Texas school districts to provide profound learning experiences for each child.
Your partnership and support are invaluable as we champion Coppell ISD during a possible 5th special session.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent, Coppell ISD
David Caviness
President, Board of Trustees, Coppell ISD