Pros
Many great personalities and highly talented/qualified individuals. Positively defined behavioral and academic expectations for all students.
Cons
Salaries are not comparable to other urban districts. One of very few districts that mandates buy in to both social security and teacher retirement plan. Highly over qualified staff (in the sciences many colleagues hold a PhD in area of expertise, most have a masters). Not compensated for additional education. PhD in chemistry teaching college level courses for UT credit earns $1K more per year than elementary teacher with a bachelor's in education. Cost of living has exponentially increased in past decade while salaries have remained stagnant. Huge disparities in educational achievement among schools with different socioeconomic and racial differences. Highly segregated district both racially and socioeconomically (90%black schools, 85% hispanic schools, 99% white schools... feels like 1960's)
