Hallettsville ISD works hard to foster an environment that prepares students for life after graduation, but the newly instated budget cuts have presented challenges for students and the administration.
All across the state, budgets for schools are getting cut. This means that many activities students can participate in are limited in how they can function.
This is due to the Texas legislature withholding public school funds, holding out until a voucher that will allocate tax dollars to private schools is passed. Governor Abbott will not increase public schools’ budgets until this voucher is passed.
Many people agree it’s unfair, that it isn’t best for students, and that it limits their opportunities and stifles advantages they could gain early in life.
“It puts public education in hard place because we are trying to plan for the future as far as kids getting to the next level and making kids successful adults. With legislature not coming through with the decision on public funding,” declared Hallettsville High School Principal Mason Briscoe. “It strapped our schools this year to make sure we understand the assignment with staff being in the right place and students getting what they need to have a successful education.”
The pressure to provide the best possible education to the students at Hallettsville High School is weighing on administrators and board members, as they try and navigate the treacherous waters of making up for lost funds.
“Public schools are having a difficult time already attracting and maintaining trained and qualified staff. If the lack of funding continues and teacher pay cannot increase, then I think we could be stuck with a shortage of teachers,” said school board member Dennis Herring.
Schools all across Texas are suffering right now and any support from the public is a welcomed relief.
“The best action we can take is continue contacting our state legislators and let them know that we are in dire need of funding,” declared Herring.
