It is hard to imagine a more uncertain time for elected college trustees to project their budgets for the next academic year, but do it they must. For faculty members, this may also be the time of year when prospective salaries and benefits are on the table.
A couple of documents are worthy of perusal as boards convene and educators make their case. Please keep in mind that the surveys below may not represent the most current information, particularly given the global economic meltdown—plus the sundry unresolved issues as the Regular Session of the Texas Legislature draws to a close. A lot has changed in the last few months and no school can begin to estimate its budgetary prospects for the next biennium until final adjournment on June 1.
One important variable to consider involves the appraised value of the taxable property within each college district. This figure in turn drives the local debt and tax rate. Comparative figures for Texas community colleges are available here, courtesy of the Texas Association of Community Colleges. The chart is current as of fall, 2008.
Another important source of information is the TCCTA survey of salaries and benefits, published each December. Here is the 2008 survey, which will reflect data reported to the association in a host of categories for the 2008-09 academic year. Please examaine the figures and narrative carefully, as it is difficult to compare "apples to apples," since each school has its own unique menu of benefits. Using the site, members can click on each responding college for a summary of benefits not immediately apparent on the comparative chart.
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