Legislative Priorities

At Midway ISD, we are committed to advocating for policies that protect and strengthen public education in Texas. Our legislative priorities focus on ensuring equitable and sufficient funding for schools, supporting teacher recruitment and retention, and opposing school voucher programs that divert critical resources away from public schools. As the Texas Legislature debates decisions that will shape the future of education, we urge lawmakers to fully invest in public schools and prioritize the success of every student. Together, we can champion strong schools that build stronger communities.

Expand each topic below to read more about each of the priorities the MISD Board of Trustees has adopted, highlighting ways legislators can support public education in our community.

Fully Fund Public Education

Increase the basic allotment by $1,400 adjusted annually for inflation.
- Since 2019, inflation has risen 23%, meaning the current allotment of $6,160 should be around $7,570.
Base funding on student enrollment instead of percentage of attendance.
- Midway ISD, with 8,800 students but only 96% attendance, receives funding for 8,450 students, resulting in a $2.15 million shortfall.
Reincorporate the Cost of Education Index to account for regional cost-of-living differences.
Increase funding allotments, including Safety, Special Education, and Transportation.
- From 2019-2024, Midway ISD faced a $5.7 million SPED funding gap.
- In FY 24, Midway received $246,108 in Security Allotment but spent $1,075,479 to meet safety and armed security needs.
- From 2019-2024, Midway ISD has been underfunded by $13.2 million in transportation.

Promote Growth in Teaching Workforce

Provide sufficient resources to attract and retain teachers.
- Midway ISD began the 24-25 year with 8 unfilled positions in SPED, secondary math, science, and ELL.
Fund certification programs and/or exam fees to help address Texas' teacher shortage.
- Midway ISD could certify 22 staff members with state-supported alternative programs or funded certification fees.
Provide increased funding for SPED teachers and paraprofessionals.
Offer incentives for certified teachers to return and allow TRS retirees to rehire without impacting their retirement benefits.

Keep Public Funds in Public Schools

Ensure all students have access to quality education.
- If 100 students leave Midway ISD, the district faces a 1% funding reduction, affecting resources for remaining students.
In other states, voucher programs have led to significant public school funding redirection and per-student funding gaps, compromising educational quality.
- Arizona: Rapid voucher expansion is projected to cost Arizona public schools $300 million in one year, reducing resources for staffing and classrooms.
- Wisconsin: Public schools receive about $1,000 less per student than voucher-funded schools, leading to cuts in staffing, technology, and support services.

The Texas Legislature will convene for its 89th regular legislative session on January 14, 2025. Throughout the session, this page will be updated with information that pertains to MISD and the legislative session.
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Texas House Representative Pat Curry
‍Texas Senator Brian Birdwell
‍Texas House Representative Brad Buckley, Chair of Public Education Committee

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