These Charter Superintendents Are Some of the Highest Paid in Texas. Their Districts Are Among the Lowest Performing.

Published: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 10:00 am

Texas Charter Schools Face Scrutiny Over Superintendent Pay and Performance

A recent investigation by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune has revealed a concerning trend in Texas charter schools: high compensation for superintendents at districts with low academic performance. The investigation focused on three charter school districts, highlighting significant discrepancies between superintendent salaries and student outcomes.

The investigation found that superintendents at Valere Public Schools, Faith Family Academy, and Gateway Charter Academy were among the highest-paid in the state. However, these districts have received failing or near-failing performance ratings from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The TEA's ratings, released after a legal battle, are based on metrics like standardized test scores and student achievement.

Faith Family Academy, facing its third consecutive "F" rating, is at risk of closure. The district paid its superintendent, Mollie Purcell Mozley, a peak annual compensation of $560,000. Gateway Charter Academy, with a combination of "F" and "D" ratings, is also at risk of closure if it receives another low score. The district paid its superintendent, Robbie Moore, over $426,000 in 2023. Valere Public Schools, despite a "D" rating, has compensated its superintendent, Salvador Cavazos, with hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

The investigation also uncovered concerns about transparency and accountability. Some districts were found to have underreported superintendent compensation. Additionally, the investigation noted potential conflicts of interest, including instances of nepotism and self-dealing within the districts.

State lawmakers have attempted to address the issue of superintendent pay, with several proposals introduced during the recent legislative session. However, none of these proposals passed. The state's "three strikes" law mandates the automatic closure of charter schools with repeated failing ratings, highlighting the pressure on these districts to improve performance.

BNN's Perspective: This investigation raises important questions about the allocation of resources within charter schools and the need for greater transparency and accountability. While charter schools can offer innovative educational models, it is crucial that they are held to high standards of performance and financial responsibility. The findings underscore the importance of ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used effectively to benefit students, not just administrators.

Keywords: Texas charter schools, superintendent pay, school performance, Texas Education Agency, TEA ratings, failing schools, accountability, nepotism, conflicts of interest, student achievement, school closures, Valere Public Schools, Faith Family Academy, Gateway Charter Academy, Mollie Purcell Mozley, Robbie Moore, Salvador Cavazos, Texas schools, education, public schools, charter schools, school funding, school finance

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