Austin, TX
'Educator Bill of Rights' seeks to address teacher pay, safety in upcoming Texas session
AUSTIN, Texas — We’re a few months away from the start of a new legislative session and the Texas American Federation of Teachers is laying out the priorities they’d like lawmakers to address.
Known as the Educator Bill of Rights, it looks to address critical problems such as teacher pay.
The A.F.T. says the public education system is broken, forcing teachers, bus drivers, and support staff out of the profession and leaving schools to close or operate without the resources they need. In a state sitting on a $32 billion surplus, the group hopes these priorities could right the ship, with “rights” covering everything from teacher pay, to book bans and classroom safety.
“All of this is connected to funding, it’s all connected to funding.” Education Austin President Ken Zarifis said.
Zarifis says Austin ISD’s $119 million budget deficit is emblematic of a larger, statewide problem. Even if voters approve a tax rate increase in November, the district will still be in a dire situation.
“That’s all we can do locally before we start cutting services and possibly people,” Zarifis said. “So the state needs to step in.”
That’s why he’s such a fan of the Educators Bill of Rights released in San Antonio and Dallas Tuesday by The Texas American Federation of Teachers. It’s a list of priorities they plan to bring to the upcoming legislative session which starts in January. Zarafis’ union is part of the AFT.
“The Bill of Rights is asking for a respectful workplace, a place where we feel safe, that we feel honored,” Zarifis said. “How do we support our kids?”
The AFT lists ten rights: the right to reasonable working conditions, fair wages, a secure retirement, quality childcare, a healthy safe, and secure working environment, academic freedom, meaningful training and development, organizing, democratic representation, and freedom of religion.
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“This is legislation that focuses on overwhelming popular priorities: fully funding our public schools, supporting our kids with the resources they need, and keeping our educators where they belong: in our public schools.” A representative with A.F.T. said.
Of chief concern, is that Texas teachers make $9,000 less than the national average, and the AFT says 70 percent of its 66,000 members have considered leaving the industry.
“This gap not only undervalues our profession but also directly impacts our ability to attract and retain the best educators for our students.” Northside A.F.T. Teacher Ledda Arcelus said.
Many teachers also worry about gun violence and are working in classrooms without air conditioning, or in schools where religious freedoms aren’t respected. There’s also the issue of retirement pensions and childcare for working professionals, which present other problems.
“No public school student should have to endure cuts that compromise their education, and no educator should have to choose between filling a prescription or putting gas in their car just to do the job that they love,” Arcelus said.
Zarifis believes if these rights can be achieved, not only will it keep much-needed professionals in the classroom, but will bring students the quality education they deserve.
“What happens at the state impacts every student in this state, and this bill of rights addresses the needs that we know as professionals on our campuses and in public schools, what our kids need,” Zarifis said.
The 89th Legislative Session begins January 14.
To see a full list of the Educator Bill of Rights, click here.
Sherman, Texas — Two Austin College students have been awarded Endowed Sumners Scholarships by The Sumners Foundation of Irving, Texas.
Maritza Maldonado 28 and Taylor Jones 28 each received $30,000 scholarships. Scholarships are awarded by the Foundation based on civic engagement, academic excellence, a capacity for leadership, and a desire to further our democracy.
Maldonado and Jones join Kat Stein 28 and Zara Shah 28 (previously named At-Large Sumners Scholars) as four of just 36 students nationally to receive a Sumners scholarship in 2026.
A sophomore majoring in Political Science and History, Maldonado is actively involved on campus as a member of the mock trial team, student assembly, and the Austin College Womens Soccer team. She plans to pursue a career as an immigration attorney.
This scholarship will support her academic journey while providing access to leadership programs and exclusive learning opportunities through the Sumners Foundation.
Jones is pursuing a double major in Political Science and Public Health with a minor in Data Science.
They are from Lewisville, Texas, are the Historian for Black Expressions, actively participates in the Pre-Law Society, and currently serves as a Sophomore Representative on Student Assembly. They also play bass clarinet and clarinet in Austin Colleges Wind Symphony and will study abroad in South Korea in the upcoming fall term. After graduation, they plan to pursue a masters degree in public policy and possibly a Juris Doctor to help positively influence policy-making with a data-informed background.
The Sumners Scholarship program has been at the core of the Sumners Foundations purpose since shortly after its inception in 1949. Our Scholars are selected from the very best students at colleges and universities after a rigorous interview process. To be selected as a Sumners Scholar is an honor that will remain with the Scholar throughout his or her lifetime, said Board Chairman Scott Higginbotham. Over the decades, Sumners Scholars have made significant contributions to their communities, their states, and America. Following in the footsteps of Congressman Hatton W. Sumners, the Foundation is pleased to support students striving to improve our political system, address societal challenges through crafting public policies based upon the fundamental principles of American democracy, educate all Americans about their civic obligations as citizens, and be active, productive members of our Republic.
Sumners Scholar alumni include such notables as U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, former Senior Deputy Attorney General of Oklahoma Dara Derryberry, Chairman of Matador Resources Joe Foran, former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court Nathan Hecht, President of the University of Texas at Arlington Jennifer Cowley, and past Chancellor of the New Mexico Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Charles L. Moore.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 45 schools profiled in Loren Popes influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.
MANOR, Texas — Multiple agencies are at the scene of a “major” crash on FM 973 in Manor.
Manor police reported the crash at around 4:48 a.m., saying that responders are on scene of a collision in the 11700 block of North FM 973 Road near Lagos Elementary School.
Police say the road is closed in both directions while officials work the scene.
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Manor PD, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Texas DPS, Travis County ESD 12, and Austin-Travis County EMS are also at the scene, according to police.
CBS Austin has reached out to officials from the responding agencies for more information.
This is a developing story.
AUSTIN, Texas – A 28-year-old Austin woman who was reported missing earlier this week has been located, according to the Austin Police Department.
What we know:
Police announced Saturday that Ghadah Alharbi has been found following a public appeal for information about her whereabouts.
Alharbi was last known to have contacted family members by phone around 8 p.m. on June 16. Her disappearance was described by investigators as out of character, prompting concern from both her family and the Austin Police Department.
Authorities said she had left her vehicle at her residence in Central Austin near Mueller and was known to use ride-share services for transportation.
Dig deeper:
The Austin Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit had requested the public’s assistance in locating Alharbi on Friday, citing concerns for her well-being.
In an update released Saturday, police confirmed Alharbi had been located but did not provide additional details about where she was found or the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Police thanked the community and media for their assistance and cooperation.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by Austin police.
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