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Public Education information and articles can be found at: http://www.texasisd.com/
House vs Senate
As the Senate prepares to spend more than the House in the next biennium, Republicans and Democrats are bracing for a battle that will pit the “we must live within our means” group against the “we must fund our priorities” group. Republicans, like most people, don’t want an increase in taxes. Democrats, like most people, don’t want to cripple the workforce of future Texans. Republicans, like most people, want government to operate efficiently. Democrats, like most people, want a government for the people. Republicans, like most people, expect government to spend less when revenue is less. Democrats, like most people, expect government to make wise choices in funding priorities. Most people can agree with the principles that guide Legislators in their decision making. But, the development of this State Budget will bring a battle that will definitely affect Public Education.
The House has already expressed concerns about the Senate “finding” additional revenue. The Senate has already expressed concerns about the House “cuts” to Public Education. The Conference Committee that will be gathered to address the differences in both budgets will meet, discuss and propose a budget to both chambers that will hopefully enhance the future of Texas.
Local Control becomes State Control
“Local Control” used to be the words of choice by Legislators. Many people used to believe that the best decisions are made by those closest to the effects of decisions. There was a day when Public Education was best performed by local communities, local citizens, and local elected officials. State Mandates and Court Orders have essentially stripped local officials from “local control”. Then, the Legislative Body slashed “local control” of the revenue source for Public Education. “Local Control” used to mean that locally elected officials determined the School Tax Rate for their public education. Not anymore! Local citizens that want to save teacher jobs, enhance their public schools, address their local values in education, strengthen their programs, and support their students with additional revenue have no means to raise revenue. The State capped the local School Tax Rate, capped the revenue from local values, and capped local community’s ability to raise revenue. So now, the State has control of mandates and money.
Local Decisions will be Examined
School Districts still have local decisions that must be made. While the state has wrestled “local control” from every community, local school officials can still make effective, efficient decisions that will affect students. During these times of tight budgets and high anxiety over potential cuts, every school district must carefully plan and execute local decisions and expenses. While every school district has reasons for expenses, right now, the perception of an expense is huge! An acceptable expense by a school district will be determined by the perceived need of the expense. Planning, explaining, and communicating will assist every school district with the organization’s perception and the public’s perception of a “necessary” expense.
