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The Legislature – Best and/or Worst
Currently the House and Senate have displayed a complete lack of unity to address and move Public Education funding to a full vote. With the current tax structure needing a complete overhaul so that a sustainable system can fund the most important component of the State Budget, a standstill in the Legislature, during the Regular Session, is great for those who want change. This stalemate provides time to educate, inform, and possibly develop better legislation to fund public schools. A stall could mean that public education will be funded under the current system and school districts would have money until February 2013. A “no decision” on school funding could mean that everyone could focus their energy, time and resources on a failed funding system during a Special Session.
But, a lack of action, in the Regular Session, is the worst for school districts trying desperately to equip classrooms, keep teachers, and develop budgets. Board Members and School Superintendents cannot plan with uncertainty in revenue. District and campus Administrators cannot prepare for the safety and education of students. Schools cannot operate without money!
Hochberg - Distribution of Funds
Since the distribution of Public Education Funds is not applied fairly or equitably, all school districts remain hesitant to form an opinion on any plan until they analyzed the system that will distribute the funds. Under Rep. Hochberg’s newest plan, the “winners” lose the smallest of percentages in revenue while the “losers” have their revenue reduced by 10%. Hochberg claims that this updated system of distributing funds will ease the pain for many districts. His statement is strictly dependent on which side of the fence the district stands! Districts that lose 3% or less should feel good about their funding. Districts that lose 8% or greater should demand a more equitable reduction in revenue. Districts that lose 4% - 7% should do everything they can to make certain they do not lose more. And so, school districts really are divided on their perspective of the distribution of public education funds. Remember, battles are usually won if your opponent can be divided!
Local Citizens Spend on Local Education
About 70% of May 2011 Bond Elections passed! This rate of success on referendums is the highest since 2008. Many experts, who predict the outcome of elections, must be surprised since their forecast of failure was based on the conservative movement of the 2010 elections. Texas Legislators might want to spend some time talking with citizens who vote.
The Fight for Public Education
Public educators are generally civil people who possess a positive attitude and a “can-do” mentality. Educators accept and move-on no matter the situation. Educators are not politicians. They serve in communities and schools to prepare students for a better future. So, fighting for public education in this political environment is unknown, unfamiliar and strange.
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