From the Inbox:
HISD to Host Live Television Show to Focus on State Budget and its Effects on HISD
Viewers can call in, email, and tweet their comments and questions about the district’s budget review and planning process
What: “HISD and the State Budget Crisis” live television show
When: Monday, February 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Who: HISD Board President Paula Harris, Superintendent Terry Grier, Chief Financial Officer Melinda Garrett, and members of the district’s budget advisory committee including principals, teachers, parents, and members of the greater Houston community will join a studio audience for a live, interactive television show regarding the state budget shortfall and its effects on the district. Members of the viewing audience will be able to call in, email, and tweet their comments and questions about the district’s budget review and planning process.
Where: The program can be viewed on Comcast Channel 18, AT&T Channel 99, and will be streamed live on the district’s website at www.houstonisd.org. Those who wish to pre-submit a comment or question or would like to be a member of the live studio audience can email hisd-tv@houstonisd.org.
Why: The State of Texas is facing its largest budget shortfall since WWII and the Legislature has proposed a multi-billion dollar cut to public education. As of today, HISD stands to lose $202 to $348 million, which represents 15 percent to 20 percent of the district’s budget. If this budget is adopted, HISD would be forced to eliminate many teaching positions and programs. School closures and consolidations also would be considered. In addition, the Legislature is also considering eliminating state education grants that fund $26.5 million worth of HISD programs that provide full-day pre-kindergarten, financial performance incentives for top teachers, tutoring for struggling students, and classroom technology.
I’ll have more information about things you can do to affect the budget and what it will do to public schools over this weekend. In the meantime, mark your calendars for this.
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