Texas Charter Superintendents' High Salaries Mask Low Academic Performance

Charter School Superintendents' High Pay Raises Questions Amid Low Performance Three charter school superintendents in Texas who are among the highest paid in the state have been overseeing some of the lowest-performing districts, according to newly released records. The revelation has sparked concerns about accountability and transparency in the education sector. The three superintendents - Michael Hannon at KIPP Houston Public Schools, David Morales at IDEA Public Schools, and Steven Durrant at Harmony Public Schools - received a combined total of over $1 million in compensation for the 2023-2024 school year. Their districts have consistently ranked among the lowest-performing in Texas, with some schools failing to meet state standards. "We're not just talking about money; we're talking about kids' lives," said State Rep. Alma Allen (D-Houston), who has been a vocal critic of charter schools. "If these superintendents are getting paid millions while their students are struggling, something is fundamentally wrong." The records show that the three districts underreported their compensation figures to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The TEA requires charter schools to disclose superintendent salaries as part of their annual reports. "This lack of transparency raises serious concerns about accountability and oversight," said Dr. Kathy Murphy, a former school district superintendent who now serves on the board of the Texas Association of School Administrators. "Charter schools are public entities, and they should be held to the same standards as traditional districts." The charter school sector has grown rapidly in recent years, with many proponents arguing that it provides innovative solutions to education challenges. However, critics argue that the lack of transparency and accountability has led to abuses of power and mismanagement. IDEA Public Schools, for example, received a $1.5 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2020 to improve student outcomes. Despite this investment, the district's performance ratings have not improved significantly. "The problem is that charter schools are often insulated from accountability measures," said Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig, an education professor at the University of Texas at Austin. "They can cherry-pick students and ignore those who need the most support." The TEA has announced plans to increase oversight of charter schools, including regular audits and performance reviews. "We're committed to ensuring that all public schools in Texas are meeting high standards," said a TEA spokesperson. "We'll be working closely with charter school districts to ensure they're providing quality education to their students." As the debate over charter schools continues, one thing is clear: the high pay of these superintendents raises questions about priorities and accountability. Background Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from traditional district schools. They are often seen as innovative solutions to education challenges, but critics argue that they lack transparency and accountability measures. Additional Perspectives Dr. Kathy Murphy, former school district superintendent: "Charter schools need to be held to the same standards as traditional districts. This includes transparency and accountability measures." State Rep. Alma Allen (D-Houston): "We're not just talking about money; we're talking about kids' lives. If these superintendents are getting paid millions while their students are struggling, something is fundamentally wrong." Current Status The TEA has announced plans to increase oversight of charter schools, including regular audits and performance reviews. Next Developments The Texas Legislature will convene in January 2026 for a special session focused on education reform. Charter school accountability measures are expected to be a key topic of discussion. *Reporting by Propublica.*