Westlake Academy 82nd Legislative Update
The Texas budget crunch has created additional strain on public education spending. We are joining with hundreds of other public schools asking our representatives to Make Education a Priority. We hope that you will join in our cause to help improve your children’s education. We have provided a sample letter that may be used to communicate your desires to Austin and let them know that nothing is more important the education of our children and tomorrow’s leaders.
We have provided the contact information for our local representatives as well as the committee members who will be dealing directly with public education spending. Citizens interested in contacting their state legislators, are encouraged to do so.
Contacting Our Representatives
- State Senator Jane Nelson (District 12) - Official Website
jane.nelson@senate.state.tx.us
Capitol Address
The Honorable Jane Nelson
P.O. Box 12068
Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711
(512) 463-0112
Fax: (512) 463-0923
District Address
1235 S. Main Street, Suite 280
Grapevine, Texas 76051
(817) 424-3446
Fax: (817) 488-6648
- State Representative Vicki Truitt (District 98) - Official Website
vicki.truitt@house.state.tx.us
Capitol Address
Room CAP GW.18
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, Texas 78768
(512) 463-0690
Fax: (512) 477-5770
District Address
1256 Main Street #248
Southlake, Texas 76092
(817) 488-4098
Fax: (817) 488-4099
Legislative Committees
Web Links
- Contacting local legislators: http://www.tasb.org/legislative/index.aspx
- Texas Legislature Online: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/
- The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board: GPA http://www.thecb.state.tx.us
- Texas Education Association & The State Board of Education: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/
- Texas Association of School Boards: http://tasb.org/
- Public School Finance: http://www.tasb.org/legislative/resources/finance.aspx
- Texas, budget cuts and children - NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/opinion/28krugman.html?_r=2&src=me&ref=general
Westlake Academy Talking Points
With Texas facing a budget shortfall approaching $25 billion, the State is considering drastic funding reductions in public education. The financial impact on local school districts and charter schools are immense. Westlake Academy administration is reviewing funding scenarios and conservative estimates show a potential $500,000 to $650,000 reduction in Foundation State Program revenues. A reduction in funding of this magnitude will impact the Academy’s ability to continue to operate at the current level. Potential areas where reductions in service may be necessary to balance the budget are:
- Potential reductions or reorganization of teaching staff and course offerings in the 2011/12 school year:
- PYP Programme: art, music, library, strings, spanish, teachers aides, professional support personnel, extra-curricular activities, and increased number of students per class.
- MYP Programme: Blacksmith program (study skills), athletics, library, extra-curricular activities, and increased number of students per class.
- DP Programme: chemistry, art, economics, environmental systems, athletics, extra-curricular activities, and increased number of students per clas
- $2,663,306 or 82% of Westlake Academy’s funding is received through the Foundation State Program, the primary funding source for public schools in Texas, and current House/Senate legislation show’s funding reductions at approximately 23 – 25 percent (23% - 25%).
- The Texas Charter School Association is recommending a budget reduction for all charter schools of 15 percent (15%).
- A reduction of this size would be the equivalent of losing the Westlake Academy Foundation’s Annual Blacksmith fundraiser.
- In addition, ISDs currently receive an average of $939 more per student than charter schools when comparing the weighted average daily attendance (WADA), and $2,009 more per student when comparing the average daily attendance (ADA). The majority of the disparity is related to facility funding, which charter schools do not receive.
We have provided a sample letter (available to download on the right sidebar) that may be used to communicate your desires to Austin and let them know that nothing is more important than the education of our children and tomorrow’s leaders.