Statement From ECISD Superintendent On State Budget Cuts
By: Hector Mendez, E.C.I.S.D Superintendent of Schools
Updated: January 25, 2011
ODESSA -- A world class education for our students is our focus in the Ector County ISD. This will not change despite recent information released by the legislature. I am certain you have all read about our partner, Odessa College, and the challenges they face. Our support is with them.
The Ector County ISD has faced financial challenges in the past during previous economic downturns. However, the current state of the national and state economies is unlike any seen in decades. The current state financial shortfall is estimated above twenty-billion dollars.
The legislative session has just begun, and no final decisions have been made about funding for public education. House Bill 1, however, introduced last week, cited a ten-billion dollar reduction in funding for public education across the state. We do not yet know how the legislature would implement the cuts, but current estimates provided to districts by school financial experts indicate an across the board loss of $26,500,000 to our district.
If correct, this would have a tremendous impact on the district. Such a loss of financial support would tremendously change the status quo in the district in all areas. Although every effort will be made to minimize the impact on teaching and learning, changes would have to occur. We are looking at adjustments furthest removed from our classrooms because student learning is central to our purpose, and we must forge forward for our students. Should the cuts be as drastic as cited above, we may have to adjust class ratios.
Many professional educator organizations have begun their work in lobbying Texas legislators. We can take an active part in advocating for our students and the support they need. This is important because this is where we all can impact the decisions of our elected public servants. Work though your professional organizations and support our elected officials in Austin by letting them know we are behind them in their advocacy for public education in the Ector County ISD.
As information is made available, we will continue to share it with you.
The Ector County ISD has faced financial challenges in the past during previous economic downturns. However, the current state of the national and state economies is unlike any seen in decades. The current state financial shortfall is estimated above twenty-billion dollars.
The legislative session has just begun, and no final decisions have been made about funding for public education. House Bill 1, however, introduced last week, cited a ten-billion dollar reduction in funding for public education across the state. We do not yet know how the legislature would implement the cuts, but current estimates provided to districts by school financial experts indicate an across the board loss of $26,500,000 to our district.
If correct, this would have a tremendous impact on the district. Such a loss of financial support would tremendously change the status quo in the district in all areas. Although every effort will be made to minimize the impact on teaching and learning, changes would have to occur. We are looking at adjustments furthest removed from our classrooms because student learning is central to our purpose, and we must forge forward for our students. Should the cuts be as drastic as cited above, we may have to adjust class ratios.
Many professional educator organizations have begun their work in lobbying Texas legislators. We can take an active part in advocating for our students and the support they need. This is important because this is where we all can impact the decisions of our elected public servants. Work though your professional organizations and support our elected officials in Austin by letting them know we are behind them in their advocacy for public education in the Ector County ISD.
As information is made available, we will continue to share it with you.
