Dallas Independent School District decreases deficit amidst lingering financial uncertainties in the budget.
Road's tough in Dallas for the school district, with a hefty budget deficit looming. Last Thursday, Chief Financial Officer Eduardo Ramos informed the school board the gap between income and expenses is expected to shrink from a grim $187 million deficit to a more bearable $104 million by September.
"Listen, we've made some serious progress, slashing the deficit by nearly 83 million bucks!" Ramos announced to the trustees. "We're moving in the right direction."
Ain't been a walk in the park: The district's been shedding 86 jobs and millions from office supplies and services. As the deficit's grown, so has property values, driving up property taxes – the primary source of school funding.
Unfortunately, state law mandates wealthy districts – like Dallas – to fork over some of their property tax money to Austin for distribution to districts with slimmer pockets. This system, dubbed "Robin Hood" or "recapture," was designed to evenly fund education across Texas.
Still, some school board members feel it's a raw deal. This year, Dallas will part with $104 million – a $44 million increase from last year – and send it back to Austin, exacerbating their predicament.
"It's like robbing Peter to pay Paul, but they're actually robbing the hood!" griped trustee Camille White. "We're rich districts, yet we're sending money back to the state. What we need is that recapture cash to help our students here in Dallas."
Despite the shortfall, next year's budget plans a boost for all staff, from teachers and cafeteria workers to custodians and bus drivers. Wages will leap between 2.2% and 3.6%.
Later this month, Dallas ISD's proposed budget will get the green light. Now, admins and trustees just gotta sit tight and wait for lawmakers to wrap up their budget discussions. House Bill 2 alone could shower districts, like Dallas, with over $7.5 billion, fueling per-student allotments. Other proposed bills aim to increase teacher pay and juggle debt and taxes.
Guess who’s on the case? Bill Zeeble, KERA's education reporter. Got a tip? Reach him at [email protected] or @bzeeble. And remember, it's the generosity of members that fuels KERA News. If the reporting hits home, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thanks!
- The school district in Dallas faces a significant budget deficit, with the gap expected to shrink from $187 million to $104 million by September.
- State law requires wealthy districts like Dallas to send a portion of their property tax money to Austin for redistribution to districts with smaller budgets, a system known as "Robin Hood" or "recapture."
- Dallas will send $104 million back to Austin this year, an increase of $44 million from last year, which some school board members feel exacerbates their financial struggle.
- In spite of the budget deficit, next year's budget plans to increase wages for all staff, including teachers, cafeteria workers, custodians, and bus drivers, with wages increasing between 2.2% and 3.6%.
- Bill Zeeble, KERA's education reporter, is covering the proposed budget for the Dallas Independent School District, and he encourages those interested in learning more to reach out to him via email or Twitter, while reminding readers that the continued generosity of KERA News members is essential for their reporting efforts.
