Texas education leaders bracing for tough budget cuts

The first draft of the state's budget came out this week, and education leaders say it doesn't look good for them. Under the proposed plan, future college students couldn't tap state financial aid and four state community colleges would close as higher education would take a $1.7 billion hit.

But the hardest hit could be Texas public schools, which could lose $5 billion in funds. The Legislative Budget Board recommends eliminating funds that help pay for pre-kindergarten, arts education, teacher incentive pay and technology. School leaders fear that will also translate to job cuts. The plan could force a school finance reform show down as the LBB recommends cutting districts' funds by 14 percent and districts at the low end of "target revenue," such as Fort Worth and Crowley, have vowed to fight. (Target revenue is the per-pupil amount of state funding schools get that is different for each district.)

Fort Worth officials have said the recommended cuts would mean about a $75-80 million loss for the district, which could likely mean job cuts. Additionally, the cut in teacher incentives could drastically affect the district's PEAK program, which offers sign-on and performance bonuses aimed at getting the best teachers to the district's most struggling schools. Officials have credited dramatic gains at those schools to the PEAK program. But losing $4.8 million in state aid is a big hit, chief financial officer Hank Johnson said. He said Fort Worth could try using federal funds to make up for it, but those monies have different rules and standards attached that the district will have to research.

Keller recently opened a new early childhood center that serves 3- and 4-year-olds. Officials there said the loss of pre-kindergarten funds would not affect their program. However, other districts have said they may have to consider cutting back to half-day classes or reduce offerings if the LBB recommendations go through. Keller officials are worried what a loss of technology funds would mean to them.

-Eva-Marie Ayala

Comments

[dolores santos]

We would love to keep our jobs and would even take cuts to continue to care for these students and our families.....I hope this come true.

[Miss Pam]

I figured I would post this before some non-teacher starts going off on teachers not working all year.

Dear Public,

I work 180 days a year. I am paid for 180 days a year. I do not get paid time off for any holidays. I do not get extra pay to grade papers every evening, to sponsor a school club, to call parents in the evening or to get on-going training that is required by my teaching certificate. I have 30 years experience and my son who just graduated from college is starting at the pay I get after 30 years. I work very hard for my money and my rewards are great, they just are not monetary rewards.

These budget cuts are forcing districts to put 42 students in a classroom, cut arts programs and forcing schools to use archaic technology. Please contact your Texas representatives about not cutting funding for education.

[Carolyn Turner]

Whatever happened to"No child left behind." With all these cuts there will lots of children left behind. If ever there was a time to use the rainy day fund, this is the time. It is time to stop the beer lobbyists and all these people from getting their way and raise their taxes. This truly makes me wonder about our legislators.

[Laurie G.]

I honestly thought we implemented a state lotto and the lottery, because this was supposed to help in education funding. Did I get that wrong?... That was one of the big selling points when it was being voted for. I didn't want the lotto, but at least thought that it would assist our state in education. I homeschooled my children, but still pay my school taxes every year. Why can't the state budget their funds just like I have to budget my home?? Just a thought.

[University Bound]

I know what overcrowding classrooms does to education. I experienced it as a student in high school in Florida. It only creates more problems. I don't see the sense in doing this at all. I understand budget cut to a point, but when it directly interferes with the education of a child's future, what are you doing to the future of this country as a whole?

http://www.university-bound.com/