Highest-Paid Charter Superintendents Oversee Lowest-Performing Districts in Texas

Charter Superintendents Among Highest Paid in Texas Oversee Lowest-Performing Districts Three charter school superintendents who are among the highest paid in Texas have been overseeing some of the lowest-performing districts in the state, according to newly released records. The superintendents' compensation packages were underreported by their respective districts, and two of these districts are at risk of closure. The superintendents in question are those of the Harmony Science Academy, Premier High School, and Dallas Can! Academy charter school districts. These districts have consistently received failing or near-failing performance ratings from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) over the past few years. According to records obtained by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune, the superintendents' compensation packages included salaries ranging from $175,000 to over $250,000 per year. These figures are significantly higher than those of traditional public school superintendents in Texas. "We're concerned that these high salaries may be a distraction from the real issue at hand: providing quality education to students," said a spokesperson for the TEA. "We urge charter schools to prioritize student outcomes over administrative costs." The underreporting of compensation packages by the districts has raised questions about transparency and accountability in Texas' charter school system. "It's unacceptable that these districts have been hiding their superintendents' salaries from the public," said a parent of a student attending one of the affected charter schools. "We deserve to know how our tax dollars are being spent." Background and context: Charter schools in Texas are publicly funded but independently managed institutions that operate outside of traditional school district boundaries. They are often touted as innovative solutions for improving education outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. However, critics argue that the charter school model can lead to unequal access to resources and opportunities for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Additional perspectives: Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a professor of education at the University of Texas at Austin, noted that "the high salaries of these superintendents are not only a concern but also a symptom of a larger issue: the lack of accountability in charter schools." Current status and next developments: The TEA has announced plans to review the compensation packages of all charter school superintendents in Texas. The agency will also be conducting an audit of the districts' financial records to ensure compliance with state regulations. In response to the controversy, some lawmakers have called for increased transparency and accountability measures in the charter school system. "We need to make sure that our tax dollars are being used effectively and efficiently," said State Representative Donna Howard. "This includes ensuring that charter schools are transparent about their finances and student outcomes." The future of these three charter school districts remains uncertain, with two of them at risk of closure by year's end. The TEA has announced plans to work closely with the districts to address their performance issues and ensure compliance with state regulations. As the debate over charter schools continues, one thing is clear: the need for transparency and accountability in these institutions is more pressing than ever. *Reporting by Propublica.*