Electrifying News – Legislative Update
On Thursday, TSBVI’s cheerleading, wrestling, and performing arts teams will travel to the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) to compete against the South Central Association of Schools for the Blind (SCASB). This particular event has been canceled for the past two years, so we really look forward to showing off what our students can do. Go Wildcats!
Welcome to Brian Swegle, our new Director of Operations as of January 9th. Brian has 20+ years of experience as a manager/director in operations, warehouse, vehicle & transportation maintenance, security, commercial and residential construction, and construction project management, as well as direct-broadcast satellite television, telecommunications, and audio/visual production. Brian is also a husband of 39 years, and the father of seven, including a daughter who Is Deafblind. If you see him on campus, be sure to say “Hi.”
Last week, the Texas House and Senate both introduced budget bills to be considered during the 88th Legislative Session. This is the start of a lengthy process that will be finalized over the upcoming months. Their proposed budgets include 3% increases in our current base salaries for TSBVI classified staff and also statewide salary increases for classified state employees. Statewide increases proposed were 5% with a minimum increase of $3000/yr implemented 9/1/23 and again on 9/1/24.
We will provide legislative updates as we have them throughout the session. As the budgets are only proposed at this time, direct impacts are yet to be determined. In addition to classified staff increases, funding for educational (contract staff) salary increases statewide has been discussed but not specified. As typical every winter, we continue to review our budget for classified staff salary and merit opportunities later this spring.
Have a great week!
Emily Coleman, Superintendent