HISD OFFICIALS SAY NEW PROPOSED FEE COULD COST STUDENTS THEIR TEACHERS IN THE CLASS!

Press Release: Today, HISD school board trustees approved a resolution asking for an exemption from Proposition 1, also known as the Renew Houston Initiative. The proposition, which is on the November ballot, calls for a fee to pay for a 20-year, $8 billion infrastructure and drainage program for the city. The fee, by the city’s own estimates, could cost HISD $2.5 to $3.5 million a year. 

            "This is a vote for our taxpayers," said Greg Meyers, president of the Board of Education, after the unanimous vote approving the resolution, which asks the city to exempt all school districts from the proposed drainage fee. "It's a vote that assures the public that we’re focusing on the main thing, and that’s our students."

            HISD Superintendent Terry Grier, at today’s school board meeting, pointed out to trustees that paying the fee could result in the loss of jobs and increased classroom size. “To put this in perspective, a $2.5 to $3.5 million cut means laying off 60 to 70 teachers.” said Grier. “On top of that we are already facing the possibility of losing $50 to $75 million of funding due to state education cuts.” 

            HISD already pays more than $2 million a year on retention ponds and other drainage efforts at its schools and facilities. “This is essentially a double tax on our constituents,” said Trustee Manuel Rodriguez. 

            Trustee Carol Mims Galloway, who served three terms as a Houston City Council member, made the motion to adopt the resolution. “I am just really opposed to schools being included in this fee," she said. "It really will be a disservice to our parents and our young people."

            Trustee Paula Harris echoed the sentiments of other board members, stating that one taxing entity should not be able to tax another. “If they can tax us to improve drainage, does that mean we can turn around and tax the city to improve education?,” asked Harris.

            “School districts should not be considered another source of funds for a government agency,” said Board Member Harvin Moore.

            Houston Federation of Teachers President Gayle Fallon also expressed her concerns regarding the proposition and its effects. “While the cause is a good one, it’s just not right for the city to impose a new tax on our school districts at a time when school district budgets are dwindling,” said Fallon. “It equates to $15 to $20 per student, or $600 per classroom.”

David Thompson, the board’s attorney, told trustees that the city has the discretion to exempt school districts from the fee and that the legislature unanimously established a precedent by exempting the El Paso School District from a similar fee. The cost to all the school districts with schools in the city limits totals $5 to $6 million, according to city estimates. Higher education institutions are already exempt under state law.