In this episode of "The Ascent," host Sam McGee welcomes Dr. Maggie Dominguez (Executive Director of Communications, BISD) and Garrett Wilson (Board Trustee, BISD) to discuss the complexities of Texas school funding, focusing on the "golden pennies" mechanism. The conversation covers:

How Texas school funding formulas work and the impact of property wealth on state funding.

The concept of "recapture" (Robinhood) and how affluent districts like Bernie ISD lose local tax dollars to the state.

The "golden pennies" mechanism, which allows districts to recoup some funds through voter-approved tax increases.

The difference between tax rates for building schools and paying teachers.

The importance of passing the golden pennies measure to increase teacher salaries and remain competitive.

The broader impact of teacher pay on recruitment, retention, and community health.

The challenges posed by rising costs, stagnant state funding, and increased insurance expenses.

Resources for more information, including the BISD website and general Texas VADER information.

The episode closes with a call to action for listeners to stay informed and participate in upcoming votes affecting local education.

 

00:00 - Introduction & Disclaimer

00:23 - About Crestmont Private Wealth

00:47 - Introducing Guests: Garrett Wilson & Dr. Maggie Dominguez

01:09 - Overview: Texas Education Funding

02:12 - Golden Pennies & School Funding Explained

03:08 - Recapture & Robinhood in Texas

04:42 - The Golden Pennies Mechanism

05:23 - Board Trustee Perspective: School Funding Basics

06:02 - Texas School Tax Rates Explained

07:22 - Comparing Tax Rates & District Growth

08:21 - Why the Golden Pennies Matter

08:58 - Teacher Salaries & Community Impact

10:30 - The Value of Investing in Teachers

11:29 - Funding Gaps & Legislative Changes

12:26 - Cost of Living, Salaries, and Funding Challenges

13:11 - Insurance Costs & Budget Pressures

14:07 - Where to Find More Information

14:28 - Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

15:07 - Outro & Thanks

 

Original Air Date: October 25, 2025 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact:  www.crestmontpw.com 

Alec Walker in Houston:  831-280-5288 

Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

 

In this episode of "The Ascent," host Sam McGee welcomes Dr. Maggie Dominguez (Executive Director of Communications, BISD) and Garrett Wilson (Board Trustee, BISD) to discuss the complexities of Texas school funding, focusing on the "golden pennies" mechanism. The conversation covers:
How Texas school funding formulas work and the impact of property wealth on state funding.
The concept of "recapture" (Robinhood) and how affluent districts like Bernie ISD lose local tax dollars to the state.
The "golden pennies" mechanism, which allows districts to recoup some funds through voter-approved tax increases.
The difference between tax rates for building schools and paying teachers.
The importance of passing the golden pennies measure to increase teacher salaries and remain competitive.
The broader impact of teacher pay on recruitment, retention, and community health.
The challenges posed by rising costs, stagnant state funding, and increased insurance expenses.
Resources for more information, including the BISD website and general Texas VADER information.
The episode closes with a call to action for listeners to stay informed and participate in upcoming votes affecting local education.
&nbsp;
00:00 - Introduction &amp; Disclaimer
00:23 - About Crestmont Private Wealth
00:47 - Introducing Guests: Garrett Wilson &amp; Dr. Maggie Dominguez
01:09 - Overview: Texas Education Funding
02:12 - Golden Pennies &amp; School Funding Explained
03:08 - Recapture &amp; Robinhood in Texas
04:42 - The Golden Pennies Mechanism
05:23 - Board Trustee Perspective: School Funding Basics
06:02 - Texas School Tax Rates Explained
07:22 - Comparing Tax Rates &amp; District Growth
08:21 - Why the Golden Pennies Matter
08:58 - Teacher Salaries &amp; Community Impact
10:30 - The Value of Investing in Teachers
11:29 - Funding Gaps &amp; Legislative Changes
12:26 - Cost of Living, Salaries, and Funding Challenges
13:11 - Insurance Costs &amp; Budget Pressures
14:07 - Where to Find More Information
14:28 - Closing Thoughts &amp; Call to Action
15:07 - Outro &amp; Thanks
&nbsp;
Original Air Date: October 25, 2025 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
Contact:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.crestmontpw.com">www.crestmontpw.com</a>&nbsp;
Alec Walker in Houston:&nbsp; 831-280-5288&nbsp;
Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898
&nbsp;

Host:  Sam McGee, MBA, CFA

Founder/Owner of Crestmont Private Wealth.
604 S. Main St. Boerne TX 78006
(830) 368-2898
www.crestmontpw.com

Host:  Sam McGee, MBA, CFA
Founder/Owner of Crestmont Private Wealth.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.google.com/maps?q=604%20S.%20Main%20St.,%20Boerne,%20TX,%2078006">604 S. Main St. Boerne TX 78006</a></li>
<li><a href="tel:8303682898">(830) 368-2898</a></li>
<li><a href="http://crestmontpw.com/">www.crestmontpw.com</a></li>
</ul>

The Ascent With Crestmont Private Wealth

The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth 

Host: Sam McGee

Houston Office: I Riverway, Suite 470 Houston, Texas 77056

(832) 280-5288

Boerne Office: 604 South Main Boerne, Texas 78006

Office (830) 368-2898

About Sam McGee

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER

Sam McGee is the founder and owner of Crestmont Private Wealth. As CEO, he believes that to lead well you must have a servant heart. His day-to-day role with Crestmont is to lead and learn from a group of talented professionals who have high character qualities and initiative. His vision is to steer a mission led company that changes lives through financial stewardship, engagement with clients, and fiduciary style education.

Sam has 26 years in the financial industry and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. The CFA Program is a rigorous three-part exam that tests the fundamentals of investment tools, valuing assets, portfolio management, wealth planning, with an emphasis on ethics and quantitative analysis.

Sam is passionate about volunteering his time to the community. He founded the Texas Hill Country Mustang Club (501c7), is a board member for Hill Country Family Services, was appointed by the Texas Governor to the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, is a volunteer firefighter with the Boerne Fire Department, a trained SkyWarn Weather Spotter, and a Boerne Little League head coach, and involved with many charitable causes.

When asked what is most important to him, he said “Faith, Family, Community, & Friendships”

The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth 
Host: Sam McGee
Houston Office: I Riverway, Suite 470 Houston, Texas 77056
(832) 280-5288
Boerne Office: 604 South Main Boerne, Texas 78006
Office (830) 368-2898
About Sam McGee
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER &amp; CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
Sam McGee is the founder and owner of Crestmont Private Wealth. As CEO, he believes that to lead well you must have a servant heart. His day-to-day role with Crestmont is to lead and learn from a group of talented professionals who have high character qualities and initiative. His vision is to steer a mission led company that changes lives through financial stewardship, engagement with clients, and fiduciary style education.
Sam has 26 years in the financial industry and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. The CFA Program is a rigorous three-part exam that tests the fundamentals of investment tools, valuing assets, portfolio management, wealth planning, with an emphasis on ethics and quantitative analysis.
Sam is passionate about volunteering his time to the community. He founded the Texas Hill Country Mustang Club (501c7), is a board member for Hill Country Family Services, was appointed by the Texas Governor to the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, is a volunteer firefighter with the Boerne Fire Department, a trained SkyWarn Weather Spotter, and a Boerne Little League head coach, and involved with many charitable causes.
When asked what is most important to him, he said “Faith, Family, Community, &amp; Friendships”

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