Budget cuts and the school district

As the state attempts to balance the 2012 budgets, schools in the Austin area, as well as those throughout the state, are hoping for some flexibility with the drastic budget cuts to avoid laying off teachers.  So AISD, other district gamble on state law changes to write budget for 2011-2012.

AISD is experiencing approximately 15.5 million dollars in budget shortfall. The state of Texas has established laws on maximum students to teacher and furloughs that have been in place for nearly twenty-five years. With some flexibility in these issues, school districts could likely save millions of dollars.

 

School officials, as well as members of the Texas Association of School Boards, are hoping that by the legislature increasing the number of students to 24 from 22 per class in the elementary schools, and allowing teacher 2-day furloughs, they can save 3.7 million dollars as well as avoid laying off teachers to balance the budget. The district could request a waiver from the legislature if the cap on class sizes does not change.

The taxpayer will ultimately be the one to pick up the bill for any school district monetary problems. Even with the changes to class size, AISD will still need approximately 11 million dollars that they were counting on from the local, state, and federal governments.

If the legislature is to make any changes, however, they must make one soon.  State law requires school districts to notify employees at least 45 days before the end of the school year of any major changes, including changes in pay.

Taxpayers in Texas should pay close attention. This will likely increase taxes because the funds must come from somewhere. Parents, soon-to-be parents, and those who will eventually become parents also should pay close attention. This will affect students for years to come.