ECISD To Tighten Its Belt

Between the Texas house and senate proposed budgets, E.C.I.S.D.'s shortfall is anywhere form 25 to 30 million dollars. Now the board is looking at ways to cut back while saving teachers and classrooms.

"They could see areas to work with and stay away from the classrooms in every effort," Said Ray Beaty, Vice President of E.C.I.S.D.

There are lots of areas where cuts can be made; not updating computers, not replacing buses, and consolidating programs and positions. Through a variety of these methods, E.C.I.S.D. could save $13.5 million. That equals out to roughly 240 teacher jobs. However, some positions would still have to be eliminated.

"The people that are going to be let go are providing a necessary service," said Chuck Isner of the Texas State Teacher's Association.

Isner believes the best option to maintain quality education is to raise taxes. But the board wants to avoid that path.

"I think we want to do everything we can to stay away from that," Said Beaty. "I don't think that is even an option to be looked at." 

Instead, the board was considering these cuts Tuesday night -- so they're prepared for whatever numbers come their way from Austin.

"We need to do to position ourselves with a shortfall and because of us begin in that position we will take and respond easier to whatever number came from the state," said Beaty.