Corey DeAngelis criticized Texas superintendents for benefiting from a monopoly on education while suggesting that their opposition to school choice is driven by a desire to protect their own interests. 

DeAngelis, a senior fellow at the American Federation for Children, was responding to an analysis that found Palestine ISD Superintendent Jason Marshall earns 33% more than a typical superintendent and is against education freedom for parents.

According to an East Central Texas News analysis based on Texas Education Agency data, Jason Marshall, Palestine ISD Superintendent made 33% more than the median base pay for superintendents in East Texas. Marshall has been the superintendent for Palestine ISD for the last 12 years.

With a base pay of $182,000 in 2022, Marshall's salary ranked 23rd out of 102 superintendents in District 7, with his earnings exceeding the median by approximately $46,000. 

The analysis also revealed that eight superintendents earned over $200,000, and 20 earned more than $150,000, including Marshall. Marshall's wife, Shanna, also works for the Palestine ISD, making their combined income from Palestine ISD taxpayers $264,900, and according to the analysis, places them at the top 1.5% of local income earners.

The analysis also reported Marshall has been a vocal opponent of education choice, which would introduce competition for government schools like Palestine ISD by allowing parents to use tax-payer funds to choose their children's education option.

"Government school superintendents like Mr. Marshall profit off trapping low-income kids in their failing schools," DeAngelis said. "Superintendents fighting to protect their fiefdoms must be shaking in their boots."

DeAngelis, a popular voice in the school choice movement, says he is determined "to hold enemies of parental rights in education accountable" through the super PAC– AFC Victory Fund. 

The Lone Star Standard previously reported on Governor Abbott's intent to call a special session to pass a school choice bill. Senate Bill 8, the ESA bill from May, would "let parents unenroll in the assigned public school or charter school for their child and gain $8,000 to pay for education expenses, such as tuition at their school of choice."

These funds would be monitored by the comptroller's office and would not be immediately disbursed, with eligibility limited to state-approved private schools and vendors. The proposal also includes measures to protect rural school districts from potential funding losses, addressing concerns raised by critics.