In an effort to keep HISD staff and the Houston community updated on the district’s budget review and planning process for the upcoming 2010-11 school year, HISD will hold a series of staff and Community Conversations in January.
The meetings will offer an update on several factors affecting the budget including issues facing the Texas Legislature. One of the issues is an expected state budget shortfall between $11 and $25 billion.
An official state revenue projection is due from the Texas Comptroller in January. HISD also faces increased health insurance costs and an increase in utility costs from the recently approved Renew Houston drainage ordinance. A portion of HISD’s budget is currently funded through federal stimulus funds, which will expire at the end of the 2010–2011 fiscal year.
“Our goal is to keep all our schools and our community informed as we move throughout the process,” said Chief Financial Officer Melinda Garrett. “I encourage all HISD staff, parents and community members to attend one of the district’s meetings in January to hear more about the factors affecting the budget, the impact on HISD, and how the district is preparing.”
Below is a list of the meeting dates, times and locations. All the meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend.
Tuesday, Jan. 18
Chavez High School
8501 Howard, 77017
4:30 p.m. Employees
6 p.m. Community
Madison High School
13719 White Heather Dr. 77045
4:30 p.m. Employees
6 p.m. Community
Wednesday, Jan. 19
Reagan High School
413 East 13th, 77008
4:30 p.m. Employees
6 p.m. Community
Revere Middle School
10502 Briar Forest, 77042
4:30 p.m. Employees
6 p.m. Community
Saturday Jan. 22
Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center
4400 West 18th Street, 77092
9:30 a.m. Employees and Community
Monday, Jan. 24
Bellaire High School
5100 Maple, 77401
4:30 p.m. Employees
6 p.m. Community
Kashmere High School
6900 Wileyvale, 77028
4:30 p.m. Employees
6 p.m. Community
HISD is currently conducting budget meetings for every department with a focus on cutting costs and increasing efficiency in the central office. To help do this, the district is using a “zero-based” approach that is asking department heads to justify every position and expenditure.
The district has been getting regular input from community members and HISD administrators, principals, teachers and students who make up the district’s Budget Advisory Committee.
Those wishing to offer a comment or suggestion regarding the district’s budget can do so by attending one of the community meetings or by sending an e-mail to CFOcomments@houstonisd.org.
Facebook Comments