Pflugerville ISD committee highlights focus on teacher retention among upcoming state legislative priorities

Among a lengthy list of priorities for Pflugerville ISD to focus on as part of the next Texas Legislature session in 2023, a district committee is highlighting action to mitigate the ongoing deficit of teachers and substitutes.

During a Jan. 20 PfISD board meeting, the PfISD Legislative Advocacy Committee told officials that due to a shortage of teaching professionals, the board should push for the State Board for Educator Certification to provide more flexibility on teacher certifications and broaden restrictions and requirements.

District documents state that due to the high demand and low availability of teachers, the SBEC should:

• eliminate Teacher Retirement System surcharges for retired teachers returning to the profession;
• allow for reciprocal certification approval for teachers certified in other states;
• allow high school GED or equivalent documentation to approve substitute teachers; and
• impose consequences for teachers who break contracts and leave midyear.

A recommendation from the committee to the board states teachers are breaking contracts at an excessive rate, leaving districts without certified professionals for student instruction.

"While a report can be filed with Texas Education Association, it rarely results in actionable consequence," the recommendation states.

Trustee Cindy Gee said during the Jan. 20 meeting said even though the Texas Legislature will not meet again for another year, it is important to gather momentum for state efforts that would benefit the district.

Other priorities Gee presented to the board on behalf of the committee involved more funding for prekindergarten programs, truancy intervention and state-funded pay increases for teachers.

On the academic end, the committee recommended prioritizing more testing flexibility and pausing academic ratings for campuses and districts because of hurdles put in place by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The committee also recommended opposition to legislation promoting the funding or creation of charter schools and championing increased state support for campus safety.

"We just wanted to make sure that our public was aware that we are going to continue to push for these items," Gee said.

The board voted unanimously to accept the committee's recommendations.