This is a trend schools across the state are having to navigate due to limited government funding over the past few years
SAN ANTONIO — Judson ISD is considering different options to make up the cost in a budget deficit.
This is part of a trend schools across the state are having to navigate due to limited government funding over the past few years.
Judson ISD is looking at two routes to cover costs.
The first is to raise taxes, the second is to cut schools and staff.
Judson ISD board members say their budget deficit has been above 40 million dollars and they’re trying to cut it down.
School closures were discussed and tabled in December, but the idea is back with new board members.
Judson ISD board member Jose Macias told us he’s against the plan for school closures and wants to work with smaller teams on their campuses.
In doing this, he says, tax increases are necessary.
“We’ve cut roughly $5-6 million already right now, so I’m afraid any more cuts will end up having a greater negative impact in the district,” said Macias.
The proposed tax increase would go from $1.03 to $1.11.
In contrast, Judson ISD board president Monica Ryan says she wants to avoid raising taxes on the community because there’s a decline in student enrollment.
She believes the school closures don’t have anything to do with raising taxes, but a limit on what students can do.
“Once you get to a certain level at a school, if it’s not, if your school is not mostly filled up, then you have empty chairs, and that’s not financially efficient, and that’s going to take away money that could be spent on kids and programs,” said Ryan.
Judson ISD has to make a decision on the budget by the end of the month.
The board is having a special meeting Monday at 5 p.m. to discuss it.
A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m.