Houston Independent School District Chief Financial Officer Melinda Garrett told Board of Education members Thursday that the first draft of a state budget bill would likely cut spending on Houston schools by $202 million to as much as $348 million. Those figures represent a loss of 15 to 20 percent of HISD’s entire budget.
The House Appropriations Bill eliminates about $5 billion per year in Texas school spending. The impact on HISD would depend on how lawmakers in Austin go about imposing the cuts, Garrett said.
The House bill also cuts state grants that currently fund an additional $26.5 million worth of initiatives in HISD, Garrett said. Those grants now pay half the salary of 180 HISD pre-kindergarten teachers and about $12 million in ASPIRE Award pay for HISD’s top teachers.
Such a significant reduction in state funding would have a major impact on classrooms in Houston and in school districts throughout Texas, Superintendent Terry Grier said. Grier warned trustees to prepare to make tough decisions unless state lawmakers spare public schools from such deep cuts.
“I can promise you that things that you never thought you would consider eliminating will be on the table,” Grier said. “This is going to be a very tough situation.”
Board President Paula Harris said trustees will make budget-cutting decisions based on what is best for all Houston students.
Grier directed HISD administrators to begin scrutinizing central office budgets last year in search of potential savings that would have the least impact on classroom instruction. HISD’s Budget Advisory Committee, made up of principals, teachers, parents, and community members is now meeting twice a month to discuss how to best address the most dire state budget situation in decades. They are also reviewing written cost-cutting suggestions submitted by the public.
The board will approve the 2011-2012 budget by June 30.
Earlier this week, HISD continued with a series of Community Conversations to gather public feedback on the school district’s spending plan. Another meeting will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22 at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th St.
The final Community Conversations on the budget will be Monday, Jan. 24 at Kashmere High School, 6900 Wileyvale and Bellaire High School, 5100 Maple. Each campus location will host two public meetings, beginning at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Comments and suggestions on the HISD budget may be submitted by e-mail to CFOcomments@houstonisd.org.
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