u/rubybybayy

There is a public education hearing in the Texas House happening Monday May 11th. This will impact decisions regarding the future of Texas public schools.

Texas has one of the lowest per-pupil funds in the nation, and the increases have been minimal compared to inflation. Public schools have an exorbitant amount of required tests compared to other schools, which now can receive funds from the State. The State grading system has changed to prompt more TEA takeovers. The downward spiral is real. Schools need to be funded adequately to set students up to succeed. The recapture structure is broken and hurts the largest student populations in the State.

Take action: Go to comments.house.texas.gov Select the House Public Education Committee, Choose the May 11 hearing.

Write a comment about how inadequate funding, recapture, budget cuts, TEA takeovers, testing, etc. are affecting (to the parents out there) your school, your classroom, or your child.

Reposting some info (below) from Education Austin. AISD’s budget deficit is getting worse and worse. The state’s funding combined with Recapture is unsustainable. In case you’re not familiar, AISD pays significantly more than any other district in Texas back to the State. In 2023 it was ~$900M. Over 40% of Austin’s property taxes towards AISD education goes back to the State. Texas funding per pupil is also one of the lowest in the nation and has not kept up with inflation by any means. We hear a lot about the budget deficit, school closures, lower enrollment, mismanagement, but let’s remember how the State plays a central role in all of this.

Teacher Appreciation Week shouldn’t stop at thank yous. Turn appreciation into action.

Our schools are dealing with real budget cuts caused by chronic underfunding. That shows up as larger class sizes, fewer staff, lost programs, and more pressure on educators and students every day.

Right now, state lawmakers are holding a public education hearing that will shape what comes next, including funding decisions. If educators and families are not part of the official record, those decisions get made without us.

Take action: Go to comments.house.texas.gov Select the House Public Education Committee, Choose the May 11 hearing. Write a comment about how budget cuts and underfunding are affecting your school, your classroom, or your child.

You do not need to be an expert, your Firsthand experience matters!

If you appreciate teachers, advocate for the conditions they need to do their jobs!! 🍎❤️ #education #teacherappreciationweek🍎✏️📚