November 5, 2008 - Austin teachers and other School District employees have always been fortunate to have the support of a community that is passionate about, and committed to, a quality public education system. Despite these difficult and uncertain economic times, Austin voters once again came through and supported AISD Proposition 1, which will provide a three percent pay raise for Austin teachers and District staff.

We know that voters did not arrive at this decision easily or lightly. Property tax increases are not pleasant, and we were not eager to present this option to our voters, but felt we had no other choice. The only way that Austin can continue to recruit and retain the best educators for our children is to stay salary-competitive with other Central Texas school districts.  
 
We will continue to work diligently with the Travis County legislative delegation, and the Texas Legislature when it convenes in January, and urge lawmakers to reform a school finance system that forces Austin taxpayers to send millions of dollars to the state each year, ($172 million in 2008), before Austin teachers receive a pay raise. We will continue to hold the line on spending, and be good stewards of our public education resources and taxpayer dollars.  
 
On behalf of the hard-working and dedicated classroom teachers and staff of the Austin School District: Thank You!!!