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By Dr. Harry Tennant
Thursday, April 14, 2011 In The News: Big City Problems Can Invite Big City Solutions This is an interesting study of local politics...if nothing else. But it is much more. In previous posts I've covered varied responses by local school districts to drastic cuts in Texas school funding. This is yet another very unique case. This detailed, fairly lengthy article sheds light on internal communications (and just a few of the prickly issues) raised by some ideas floated between Austin ISD and the city of Austin. This article is a good read. A few quotes: ..."Such a degree of formal collaboration would be unusual between the city and school district. Unlike some states, nearly all Texas school districts are set up to operate independently of city and county governments. School districts set their own taxes, spending and policies. ..."early proposal to close schools. Such a move, he said, would seem to run counter to the city's efforts to reduce suburban sprawl and encourage growth in the urban core." ..."Other ideas tossed around City Hall included what one person described as a "tax trade-off."..."described the trade-off as an arrangement in which the city would raise taxes while the district lowered taxes. The plan wouldn't cost taxpayers any more money, according to the speculation, but it would raise more money for the district, which is forced to hand over a portion of revenue it raises to the state under school finance law." This is just a sampling of the ideas being floated regarding Austin ISD's shortfall. Some are much more controversial than others. The article is worth a read...and you may even know a social studies teacher who could use it in instruction on local politics! If so, please... Check It Out! Pass It On!  Click the photo above to access the complete story from The Austin American-Statesman
Posted at 12:05 PM Keywords: In The News , Budget Cuts , Budget , Texas , School Finance , Save Money 5 Comments |
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Lenna said... I hate my life but at least this makes it baearble. Sunday, October 30, 2011 3:51 AM |