A process for identifying, addressing and meeting long-range facility needs should begin in 1999. The average age of AISD facilities is 42 years. The inadequate infrastructure for the district's rapidly increasing technology is an immediate problem independent of the district's long-term facility needs. Currently, the school board is reviewing and redirecting several programs. A districtwide Just for the Kids mathematics review is gearing up for 1999.
Teachers are overdue for a major salary increase.
Texas ranks 38th in the nation in teacher pay, but has recently become the leading sate in the U.S. in improving public education. Teachers need to be rewarded for their success. A major teacher shortage is looming. Abilene has not yet been affected, but it could be. AISD must be an active player in the 1999 session of the Texas Legislature in order to secure adequate funding for local programs for the coming biennium.