There is over 1,200 school districts in Texas
Mijares is in the Top 1% Paid Superintendents in the State of Texas
As the Texas Education Agency releases new data for the 2023-24 school year, it’s evident that Texas school superintendent salaries are climbing, with some reaching substantial figures despite challenges such as declining enrollments and stagnant student performance. This increasing trend in compensation is raising questions among taxpayers about the alignment of pay with educational outcomes.
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Key Salary Figures
- The highest-paid superintendent for the period was Mark Henry from Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, who earned a base salary of $536,775 before retiring in December 2023.
- The number of superintendents earning over $300,000 has risen, with eight earning over $400,000, and another 81 superintendents making more than $300,000.
- Eagle Pass School District superintendent, Samuel Mijares is paid $297,211 with only a 13,869 enrollment.
Public Concerns and Fiscal Oversight
These high salaries are complemented by additional benefits like car allowances, housing, and substantial pension contributions, all funded by taxpayers. This level of compensation, especially when disconnected from the academic achievements of districts, is sparking debates on the fiscal responsibility exercised by school boards.
James Quintero of the Texas Public Policy Foundation points out that such high salaries raise concerns over the lack of fiscal discipline in educational spending, suggesting that lavish compensation packages at the top could reflect a broader issue of financial imprudence within the public education system.
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Controversial Incidents and District Management
Adding to the controversy are incidents in districts like Klein ISD and Prosper ISD, where high salaries have coincided with serious administrative and ethical lapses. For instance, Prosper ISD Superintendent Holly Ferguson saw her salary increase to $350,000 plus a $40,000 bonus amid ongoing investigations into her handling of a bus driver’s arrest for misconduct.
These incidents underline the disconnect between superintendent remuneration and their districts’ operational integrity, further fueling public calls for reform.
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Legislative Response and Public Opinion
In light of these issues, there is growing support among Texas residents for capping superintendent salaries at the governor’s salary of $153,750, a sentiment backed by the majority in recent polls. The upcoming 89th Texas Legislature faces pressure to address these concerns by implementing reforms to curb excessive pay and ensure that salaries are more closely tied to both teacher wages and school performance.
As Texas navigates these complex issues, the focus remains on aligning superintendent compensation with the actual educational value delivered, ensuring accountability, and restoring public trust in the management of educational resources.
Source: TexasScorecard
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