What We Do
Why the Need for Funding?
Let’s Look at the Economic Impact on Educators
Presently the PAISD sends approximately 75% of its funds back to the state for revenue recapture otherwise known as “Robin Hood.” In dollar terms the school loses approximately $20 million per year in funding that would otherwise be utilized to ensure the financial success of our district.
PAISD ranks 6th in the State of Texas for the percentage of funds that are recaptured by the state. This is creating significant hurdles to the district’s ability to fairly fund the teachers and staff in PAISD. This is not a ranking that we are proud of in Port Aransas!
PAISD staff face stiff affordability issues when it comes to living in Port Aransas. Of our 99 dedicated educators and staff members only 2/3 of current staff are fortunate enough to live in Port Aransas. This has a significant impact on PAISD’s ability to attract top talent to educate our students. As the local educators retire, the number of staff that live outside of Port Aransas is likely to increase due to the high cost of living in town.
Surrounding school districts that are less fortunate than Port Aransas on a property tax revenue basis are capable of paying educators/staff higher salaries with an easier commute due to the fact that revenue recapture doesn’t apply to their districts.
Educators and staff members who are unable to live in Port Aransas face long commutes, and on average an additional $200/month in expenses associated with the commute. This $200 represents a significant hurdle to those currently working and those considering working in Port Aransas due to the pay that the district is presently able to budget.
How else is the Marlin Legacy Foundation funded?
Port Aransas’ primary industry is tourism. The Marlin Legacy Foundation focuses on the tourism industry in our efforts towards raising funds for PAISD.
The Marlin Legacy Foundation is fortunate to have significant voluntary cooperation many rental management companies that exist in Port Aransas. The participation and willingness of our many management companies is paramount to the success of the Marlin Legacy Foundation. It is our hope that many individual short term rental owners will also participate in raising revenue for the Marlin Legacy Foundation. Through voluntary nightly fees placed on short term rentals, the Marlin legacy Foundation will be able to retain and attract the top talent necessary to ensure the future success of our students in Port Aransas.