Texas Schools Await Federal Jobs Money

With a state budget deficit of approximately $18 billion, state legislators have begun warning school district officials to anticipate less funding from the state in 2012-13 and 2013-14.

Given the dire fiscal situation school districts are already facing, less funding from the state will force school districts to lay off teachers and cut programs. With that as a backdrop, Congress' passage of the Jobs bill was a great relief to school board members. 

The bill promises $830 million in additional federal funding for Texas school districts. But, the Governor must apply for the funds. Language in the bill that pertains only to Texas requires Governor Perry to "provide an assurance" in the state's application that the state legislature will not use the federal Jobs money, like they used the stimulus funds last legislative session, to replace state funding for public schools through 2013. 

Governor Perry believes that providing such an assurance would violate the Texas Constitution. And so, the Jobs money remains in Washington, DC, far from the Texas schools and teachers who need it.

TASB GR has heard from trustees across the state who are eager to encourage the Governor to apply for the funds. School boards are ready to explain why their districts need the federal funds -- to avoid increasing districts' tax rates, to prevent  laying off teachers, to hire qualified teachers to replace substitutes.

GR staff had advised trustees to await the outcome of a meeting that took place today in Washington, DC, between staff from the Governor's office and staff from the U.S. Department of Education. Initial reports from the meeting indicate little progress. 

The Texas Education Agency released this statement following the meeting today:

"This afternoon's meeting was cordial, with all parties trying to get these education funds flowing to Texas classrooms as quickly as possible. Regrettably, Lloyd Doggett's amendment, which requires the governor to make assurances that the Texas Legislature will make specific funding commitments in violation of the Texas Constitution, also makes it virtually impossible for the U.S. Department of Education to grant a waiver that would allow Texas access to the funds," Commissioner Robert Scott said. 

"While today's meeting did not produce an immediate solution, we will continue to work with the Department of Education and others to determine the best path forward to try to access these funds for Texas schools," he said.

The Governor has until September 9 to apply for the $830 million dedicated for Texas public schools. If an application is not submitted, the state forfeits any claim to those funds.

 
   
 
 

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