Accountability

The current A-F accountability system is not research-based, does not transparently synthesize a broad array of available success criteria, and is not an accurate representation of school or district performance. Incomplete & pandemic-influenced data will impact the comparability, reliability, and validity of the 2021 accountability ratings. The state accountability system should add value to students, teachers, schools, parents, and the community, and be based on multiple measures of student achievement and success, as well as locally defined criteria in areas deemed important to the community.

• Suspend accountability ratings during severe disruption such as pandemics and disasters that have a detrimental impact on school operations such as the current pandemic. Advocate that all campuses and districts receive “Not Rated” or “Report Only” ratings for the 2020-2021 school year.
• Oppose A–F campus and district ratings that oversimplify the complex work of schools and incentivize teaching to the test.
• Advocate that the state student assessment program be limited to only those assessments required to meet ESSA (federal) requirements.

Budget: School Finance

Klein ISD supports legislation that establishes a simple, equitable state finance system that provides adequate resources to Texas public schools and considers changes in student demographics, inflation, technology, and safety, as well as full funding for any new requirements (no unfunded mandates).

• Support including an index for inflation in the school finance system that provides a mechanism for funding that is at least parallel to increasing inflationary and cost pressures.
• Continue funding for full-day pre-Kindergarten programs and Teacher Incentive Allotment.
• Support a regional Cost of Education Index adjustment to help offset increased regional related costs.
• Support increasing state funding formulas for an adequate and equitable school finance system that raises per pupil funding to the national average.
• Support increasing funding to support the updated safety and security efforts in schools, including additional mental health specialists, physical space improvements, and personal protective equipment.
• Support funding based on enrollment, student need, and credit completion versus time in seat along with a local virtual option for students in our attendance boundaries.
• Advocate for increased funding for instructional materials to ensure districts can provide adequate technology and instructional resources to bridge the digital divide among students.
• Provide funding for reductions in state funding, unreimbursed expenditures and the academic and socio-emotional needs of students due to COVID-19.

Challenge the Status Quo

Klein ISD believes that the future of Texas – our economy, communities, and citizenry – depends on how well we prepare our students today. Challenges that public schools face include teacher retention and recruitment, vouchers, and continued inequities in the playing field for public education. All students deserve equal access to a quality public education. Any schools that receive any tax dollars must be held to the same academic, legislative, and financial standards to which public schools are held.

• Support research-based improvements in Texas’ teacher preparation programs, including enhanced clinical practice prior to certification. Support programs and practices proven to recruit diverse candidates into the field:

Extend the deadline for completion of the Teacher Literacy Achievement  Academy for campus principals and kindergarten through third teachers to the
2023-2024 school year.

• Oppose any form of taxpayer subsidies to private schools and vendors, such as Tax Credit Scholarships, Education Savings Accounts, vouchers for students in special education, and virtual vouchers.
• Support quality public school choice and innovative programs within the public school system, including a district-provided virtual learning school to meet the community’s needs.
• Level the playing field with charter schools by eliminating the small and mid-sized allotment that is not provided on the same basis to public school districts.
• Oppose Charter schools ability to provide financially to politicians and their campaign.