2018
ATPE responds to Texas Public School Finance Commission’s report
December 19, 2018: The Texas Commission on Public School Finance voted on Dec. 19 to approve final recommendations for the 86th Texas Legislature to improve the Texas public school finance system.
ATPE: “Increasing property taxes to offset state funding for public schools is not the answer”
September 6, 2018: ATPE believes that Texas students deserve well-funded schools and Texas taxpayers deserve for that funding to be fairly collected and rationally balanced.
ATPE responds to Gov. Abbott’s School Safety Action Plan Summary
August 31, 2018: ATPE commends actions by school districts to reduce violence in schools and inclusion of educator voices in important policy discussions.
ATPE releases statement on A-F state accountability rating system
August 15, 2018: ATPE urges further study and caution in interpreting results.
ATPE comments on TRS Board decision to lower “assumed rate of return”
July 27, 2018: ATPE believes the Texas legislature must provide the necessary funding to ensure the soundness of TRS pension fund.
Joe Straus awarded ATPE’s highest honor
July 25, 2018: Straus honored by thousands of teachers across Texas for his advocacy and defense of public education during his tenure.
ATPE Names New Executive Director
July 18, 2018: ATPE announces the selection of Shannon Holmes, current superintendent of Hardin-Jefferson ISD, to lead the ATPE state office, effective Sept. 4.
ATPE Officers Offer Input on Governor’s School Safety Plan
July 18, 2018: ATPE state officers were invited to provide input on the School and Firearm Safety Action Plan and other education topics at stakeholder meetings held at the Texas State Capitol on July 16, 2018.
ATPE hosts annual education and leadership summit in Dallas on July 11-13
July 9, 2018: ATPE will host its annual leadership, education and business conference on July 11-13. More than 1,000 public school employees and ATPE members are expected at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel to attend the annual ATPE Summit.
ATPE statement on Texas governor’s school safety recommendations
May 30, 2018: Earlier today, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released a set of proposals designed to make Texas schools safer. The plan was formed after Abbott hosted three successive school safety roundtable discussions in the wake of the shooting at Santa Fe High School.
ATPE testifies feasibility of bringing ed funding back to a 50/50 balance between state, local funding
March 19, 2018: ATPE lobbyist testified at March 19 meeting and provided comment on importance of state funding for public ed, recent trends.
ATPE Executive Director Gary G. Godsey Announces Retirement
March 9, 2018: Godsey has announced his retirement effective August 1, 2018.
ATPE weighs in on Texas Attorney General’s opinion on school district activities meant to encourage voting by employees, students
January 17, 2018: ATPE remains committed to emphasizing the importance of voting and the rights of educators to participate in elections.