In this recent article, Ray DeSpain, Ed.D., Giddings ISD superintendent, shares his perspective on the challenges and successes within Texas public schools. He emphasizes the importance of promoting what is right and good in education and calls for a shift in focus from negativity to celebrating the remarkable achievements of students and educators across the state.
As the new school year approaches, I will start my forty-fifth year in public education. I’ve experienced first-hand the roles of classroom teacher, coach, director (in several different capacities), assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and, for the past nineteen years, superintendent. I’ve served in school districts ranging in size from Six-Man to 6-A; and in one of the wealthiest districts in the state to districts that struggled to keep the doors open financially. First, let me say that I am not perfect – nor is any educator (or educational system). As professional educators, we face challenges, are held accountable, and make decisions every day that affect the lives of people’s two most valuable resources – their kids and their money! However, let me assure you that I’ve never known a single teacher, aide, administrator, or school support staffer who wasn’t truly “In it for kids.”
People too often tend to look only at the negative aspects of life and, at times, of public education. As school accountability and funding court cases continue and the next Texas Legislature session approaches, I feel it is important for a person in a position of authority like mine to promote what is RIGHT and what is GOOD about our local and state public schools by sharing FACTS with the public. I look at what needs to be done as “Changing the Negative Narrative” and instead choose to “Accentuate the Positive.”
Across the state, high school four-year graduation rates continue to climb, with economically disadvantaged students achieving the highest graduation rate in the U.S. compared to national peers. Longevity studies show that Texas students significantly outscore their peers nationally on Science and Mathematics tests, with African American students ranking fourth nationally, Hispanic students ranking sixth, and Anglo students ranking eighth. End-of-Course (Exit Level) passing rates in English Language Arts and Social Studies also continue to rise. Texas is a leader nationally in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education. Participation rates on ACT and SATs continue to rise in Texas by all demographic groups. Great gains have been made over the past several years on College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) by Texas students. More than 98% of Texas school districts earn passing standards for fiscal responsibility.
These are remarkable accomplishments considering the heightened challenges Texas public school teachers face. The accountability system in place (namely once-a-year, high-stakes, high-stress standardized tests being used as the primary determinant for “rating” school districts) is no doubt flawed, as evidenced by the fact that numerous lawsuits and injunctions have been filed and upheld over the past several years. More and more students are requiring specialized/special needs services such as academic special education, dyslexia, and tutorial assistance. Non-English speaking student percentages continue to rise, which poses inherent learning challenges for students from these backgrounds. Demographic, economic, home life, and social situations (not to mention learning styles) vary with each child. Continuing to provide not only high-level academic tracts but also career and technology licenses, military readiness, and career-workforce (i.e., Trades) opportunities for ALL students are musts.
Texas public schools continue to face growing financial challenges. The state’s funding formula, known as the “Basic Allotment” per student, has not increased since 2017, even as inflation has spiraled dramatically. Per student spending in Texas is $4,000.00 below the national average. The average teacher salary in Texas is $6,000.00 below the national average. The vast majority of public school districts in Texas are having to adopt deficit budgets (and/or pull from fund balances to adopt balanced budgets) going into the 2024-2025 school year. Teacher shortages are astonishing, as many are either retiring early, leaving the profession for other professions, and, most alarmingly, not entering the teaching field because of these reasons. If successful, the political push for “vouchers” will no doubt drain much-needed financial funding and resources from public schools (as dictated by the Texas Constitution) and into the hands of privatized entities (who do not have the same requirements and auspices that public schools face on a daily basis).
We strive to provide the most functional and up-to-date facilities possible for our students and staff. Safety and security (including cybersecurity and bullying) are high priorities for educators, especially given the recent tragic events in schools. Potential hazards are undoubtedly present, and we prepare for (and make every effort to prevent) them daily. We live in a technological world, and keeping up with these demands poses ever-increasing challenges.
I’m extremely proud, honored, and humbled to lead the Giddings Independent School District. Here, we provide a broad and well-rounded educational experience for each of our over 1,800 students, with ACADEMICS at the core of everything we do. In our efforts to live up to our mission of “Being The Best We Can Be,” GISD has set high expectations for both our staff and students. We are very fortunate to have great students and a great staff in Giddings to accomplish our lofty goals.
SUPPORT is one of the most important ingredients to success in any school system. We definitely “check that box” in Giddings. Our board of trustees, business partners, civic organizations, parents, and numerous individuals are second to none in this category. Thanks to organizations such as Friends of Texas Public Schools, Raise Your Hand Texas, Texas Healthy Kids, Regional Education Centers, the University Interscholastic League, support organizations such as the Texas Association of School Administrators, Texas Association of Community Schools, Texas High School Athletic Directors Association, and corporate sponsors like HEB, teachers, administrators, and school support staff personnel can continue to provide exceptional educational opportunities for our future (a.k.a. OUR CHILDREN). As professional educators, we realize that the many things we do for students would not be possible without the support of parents and stakeholders (taxpayers). In fact, figures show that an overwhelming majority of voters support Texas public schools.
As educators, we have obstacles, hurdles, and challenges to overcome on a daily basis, and though we are not perfect, we are wholeheartedly dedicated to helping all students achieve the goals and expectations as established by the state and Giddings ISD. I firmly believe that if we stick to the TEAM approach of incorporating all elements for success, our students can and will achieve great things.
With the aforementioned facts, figures, and thoughts in mind, I strongly encourage you to continue to pray for and support your schools (and especially your children’s classroom teachers) by electing officials who will make education a very high priority on their agendas. May God bless you and keep you.
Ray DeSpain, Ed.D
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