Dear Colleagues,
This week we briefed Fort Worth ISD Board members on revenue projections for next year’s budget. To paraphrase Deputy Superintendent Hank Johnson, we’re not in great shape financially, but we are better off than we’ve been for several years.
That’s the result of a lot of hard work. Overall, we’ve done a very good job of staffing our schools and we want to stay with that process. We’ve identified efficiencies in every area. And, we’ve had to make some tough decisions along the way.
Even though resources are still tight, we are doing everything to put what we can back into salaries. We’re so appreciative of your extraordinary efforts which we know will result in great academic success this year.
Since October’s one-time payment to employees, we’ve been working to make that 1% a permanent addition to your annual compensation. On top of that, we have recommended to the Board that employees be given an additional 2% raise.
If approved, this will go into effect for all Fort Worth ISD employees on September 1.
This will not be accomplished easily, but we believe it’s important.
We are going to ask you to remain aware of funding sources and follow the budget process.
For instance, we will continue to improve our facilities and purchase equipment as needed and are aware that these needs will have to be funded by a future bond program.
It’s also very possible we will take our case to the voters through a Tax Rollback Election.
Achieving our Singleness of Purpose will continue to take courage and persistence. Last week we involved representatives of all of our stakeholder groups in District strategic planning. We met for two-and-a-half days to build objectives toward organizational excellence. We listened to all voices – employees, parents, community, higher education, faith leaders and students. One of the persistent themes we heard was the importance of retaining great employees and rewarding them appropriately.
We believe this year’s salary recommendation is another step in that direction.
Sincerely,
Walter Dansby
Fort Worth ISD Superintendent