TX schools feel state's budget crunch

AUSTIN (KXAN) - In years past, the state funding for Texas public schools has been pretty much off limits for cuts. This year is different. What is expected to be a historic budget shortfall has central Texas school districts planning for the worst.

That state shortfall is projected at $24 billion. Now lawmakers are warning districts - expect up to five billion less from us this year - which is pretty much everything they get from the state.

"I have a child who has a lot of resource help,” said Tracy Lacaille, a Round Rock ISD parent. “She gets a lot of help from a lot of different teachers, and I'm wondering what that's going to look like."

Lacaille told KXAN about the four children she has in the district's schools, one of whom needs special educational attention. As the Great Oaks Elementary PTA President, Lacaille said she knows she is not the only parent with problems.

"How are kids that are already struggling going to get the attention that they need?” she asked.

Round Rock is the second largest district in central Texas, with 45,000 students. While some districts look to cut staff now, Round Rock says it just cannot do that, as the district has been growing immensely over the last decade. Classes will just have to get larger, and there will be a hiring freeze.

"All of our current teachers that want to remain with us as teachers next year, we have a position for you, because even though we might adjust the student teacher ratio and won't need as many teachers as we otherwise might need, we're going to have a position for everybody who is here in our teacher ranks,” said RRISD Superintendent Jesus Chavez.

Those changes, along with employing some people temporarily should save the district about $14 million. But it is expected the state could cut $17 million, which means Round Rock will have to make up the difference somewhere. That could mean future staff cuts.

It is something Hutto ISD is now considering - up to 80 staff members - even closing a school. Austin could face something similar, as it could fall up to $60 miilion short.

"I appreciate that they are trying to brainstorm and find other ways to soften the blow, but it's still a blow,” said Lacaille. “It's still going to hurt."

RRISD will hold a community forum in February on the budget.

Austin ISD will hold meetings from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Delco Center, 4601 Pecan Brook Drive, and Thursday at Burger Center, 3200 Jones road to get public input on possible cuts.