Dr. Duncan Klussmann, SBISD superintendent of schools, has assumed leadership duties as the 2008-2009 President of the Texas School Alliance (TSA), a group of 33 diverse school districts ranging from the largest school systems in the state to those of mid-sized student enrollment. Together, these districts represent more than a third of Texas public school students.

Dr. Klussmann, 45, who has served since December 2004 as SBISD superintendent, was installed as TSA president on Sept. 27 during the alliance’s annual meeting. Dr. Richard Middleton of North East ISD is the group’s immediate past president.

As TSA president, Dr. Klussmann believes that Texas legislators must address two critical education issues – school finance and accountability – during the upcoming 81st Legislative regular session. The Texas Legislature will convene on Jan. 13, 2009.

“All Texas school districts face an increasingly difficult financial situation because of the finance system created under House Bill 1. This funding system was designed as a temporary fix for school districts, but unless changes are soon made, the bulk of funding for Texas school districts will remain frozen at funding levels from 2005-2006,” he said.

“Without adjustments for inflationary factors that include rising fuel costs, health insurance and utility costs, Texas school districts will find themselves increasingly trapped by low target funding levels and rising inflation,” Dr. Klussmann also said.

On public school accountability, he said that while the present accountability system has had a positive impact on the effectiveness of Texas public schools, an increasing number of measures, the overlay of state and federal systems, and the “one-size-fits-all” approach to accountability have created a complex system that is not easily understood by parents and the community.

A Texas native, Dr. Klussmann grew up in Brenham and Huntsville. He has held a wide variety of positions in public education during the past two decades. He has been a classroom teacher, a coach, an assistant principal, principal and administrator in the areas of finance/operations and support, as well as academics and campus planning.

He earned a bachelor of business administration degree in international business and finance from the University of Texas at Austin, a master’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and a doctorate in education from Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J. Dr. Klussmann and his wife, Marissa, are the parents of three school-age children.

In addition to Dr. Klussmann, the 2008-2009 TSA officers are Dr. Michael Hinojosa of Dallas ISD, vice president; Rod Schroder of Amarillo ISD, secretary; and Dr. Sylvester Perez of Midland ISD, treasurer.

The 2008-2009 TSA Board of Directors include the following superintendents: Yolanda Chapa, McAllen ISD; Dr. Abelardo Saavedra, Houston ISD; Dr. Carol Ann Bonds, San Angelo ISD; Dr. Curtis Culwell, Garland ISD; Dr. John Folks, Northside ISD; Dr. Carrol Thomas, Beaumont ISD; Dr. Lorenzo Garcia, El Paso ISD; Dr. David Anthony, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD; and Dr. David Simmons, Richardson ISD.

The first Texas School Alliance meeting was held in 1990. Districts present at that initial meeting were Abilene, Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, Spring Branch, Waco, Wichita Falls and Ysleta. The TSA formalized the already strong working relationship between legislative liaisons for school districts.

TSA Lead Staff for SBISD is Diane Jackson, who is the district’s policy administration & governmental liaison.