A Message On Proposed State Budget Reductions

On Tuesday, Jan. 18, the Texas House of Representatives released a beginning budget proposal that would seriously impact public education across the state and in Spring Branch ISD.

As proposed, the estimated impact to SBISD’s budget is 15 to 20 percent. The final percent of budget reduction may vary, but the district is anticipating that cuts to our revenue will occur. These reductions come on the heels of $8.4 million in reduced spending in Spring Branch last year, plus eight consecutive years of “Robin Hood” recapture tax payments to the state.

“The proposed budget should be viewed as a starting point in the long state budget process that will not end until the last days of the Legislative session in May,” said Superintendent Duncan F. Klussmann, Ed.D.

“As the process unfolds, you will hear many drastic statements about what the Legislature is proposing to cut. While I am hopeful that the impact to SBISD’s budget will not be as severe as the current estimates of 15-20 percent revenue reduction, the fiscal challenges to SBISD will be significant,” he also said. 

In anticipation of possible State budget cuts, SBISD leaders and the district’s Board of Trustees have been working for several months on district-wide budget planning, priorities and options. “I believe we are positioning ourselves to effectively manage the final budgetary outcomes. This may mean we have to do business differently, but we are committed to working hard to try to minimize the impact on our classrooms,” he said. 

SBISD has posted to its website a special document, titled Legislative Priority for the 82nd Session of the Texas Legislature. The district has set as one of its goals that “The Legislature shall provide SBISD with a predictable revenue stream that takes into account inflationary costs and is not less than the amount we currently receive.”

At the site link, you will find more priority statements, contacts for local Legislators, and a district map detailing State House and Senate districts. Read more >>

The good news is that the Texas Legislature, which meets for 140 days every two years, is only beginning its session work. There is still plenty of time for all points of view to be heard – including yours!