The gist
Comal ISD Superintendent John Chapman outlined the district's priorities at a Sept. 19 board meeting, which were developed in collaboration with superintendents and state education leaders across the state.
The primary goal is to address funding shortfalls while advocating for critical improvements to safety and accountability in Texas schools, Chapman said.
How we got here
Comal ISD has faced increasing financial pressure due to rapid student population growth, rising inflation and insufficient state funding, as previously reported by Community Impact.
With an enrollment of over 30,000 students, the district has struggled to balance its budget while maintaining quality education and student safety.
In fiscal year 2024-25, Comal ISD adopted a $450.7 million budget that included a $23.6 million shortfall, despite an 8.1% increase in local property values.
These budget constraints, coupled with rising operational costs and staffing shortages, have made it difficult for the district to fully meet the needs of its students and employees, Chapman said.
In response, district leaders have focused on key issues such as teacher recruitment, school safety and transparency in state funding, which have now shaped the district's legislative priorities for the state's next legislative session.
More details
The district’s top priorities, which the board discussed, are:
Funding
- Increase the basic allotment to account for inflation—about 22-25% over five years
- Advocate for funding based on student enrollment
- Secure funding to cover special education shortfalls, including $1.7 million in school health and related services money
- Push for full funding for armed security on each campus, beyond the current $30,000 per campus
- Continue support for facility hardening grants, including fencing and door hardware upgrades
- Advocate for transparency and equity in any potential voucher system, ensuring that private institutions receiving taxpayer dollars meet the same accountability standards as public schools
- Focus on growing the pool of current and future teachers, with partnerships extending from kindergarten through college
Trustees will work with local legislators to advocate for these priorities in Austin, said Board President Russ Garner.
As the legislative session approaches in early 2025, the district aims to mobilize support for education funding, safety improvements and teacher support initiatives, Chapman said.
“The sooner that we can approve [the priorities], the better... so you'll start sending the message,” Chapman said
