One of the questions I get asked most is, “Do you have kids in public schools?”. The answer is yes. I have a daughter in third grade and another daughter that is getting ready to go into kindergarten this year. The thought of placing my children in a private school never even crossed my mind. We are blessed to live here in Keller, which has a wonderful school district. But even as good as the schools are in Keller, they have felt the pinch of the last legislative sessions in Austin.
Public schools were cut somewhere to the tune of $5.4 Billion. Not only that, but the same old out-of-date school funding system was left in place. The Texas Legislature did not do their job and shirked their responsibility to Texas youth. These young citizens have no voice in Austin. It is time that they did and we must represent them and do what is in their best interests for their education.
I propose we scrap the current school funding system and replace it with a more equitable system. Texas needs a one price-per-pupil way to fund. That means that the school in Southlake gets the same amount of money per student as the student in Laredo. This amount needs to be near the current national average, which would mean an increase of roughly $1,400 per student. Texas is currently 48th in the country in cost per student. So how are we going to pay for this increase?
For far too long, we have been making purchases on the internet without paying sales tax. It is time we did. We also need to set a separate, untouchable account for this sales tax revenue to be deposited. This account will be dedicated solely for the purpose of education. Remember twenty years ago when we voted for the Texas Lottery? We voted for that under the promise that it would provide much-needed funding for education. We know now that the money went into the General Revenue Fund instead of a dedicated account for education and we have seen the ramifications of that during Rick Perry’s tenure as governor.
Texas kids cannot vote but parents can. It is time that we stepped up and to do what is right for our kid’s future. Texas Education shouldn't be an oxymoron.
Questions or comments? I would love to hear them! I want to be YOUR representative for District 93.
Shane Hardin
1 comments:
Keep in mind, Keller residents, that there is considerable inequity between KISD and neighboring districts. Keller receives approximately $1800 less per student that Northwest ISD. Why? There is no clear cut reason. Both districts have the same M&O tax rate, have similar home values, and close student populations. Both are also "Robin Hood" districts. Our funding formula system is antiquated and needs an overhaul. My hope is that folks like Shane can make moves to create an adequate and equitable system for Texas students.
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