Public Education

The 9.1 cent tax rate increase will generate $171 million in new revenue for Austin ISD. The district will keep about $41 million of that, while the rest is subject to Texas’ recapture system.

If voters approve Prop A, it will generate $171 million in new revenue for the district. Austin ISD will keep $41 million of that, while the rest will go to the state as a result of the recapture system.

Critics of the materials the Texas Education Agency created have said they include Bible stories that are not age-appropriate and veer into proselytizing. Supporters say biblical narratives have literary and historical value.

The school boards in Austin ISD and Manor ISD each called tax rate elections for Nov. 5 to help cover the cost of raising staff salaries. Both districts are facing multimillion-dollar budget deficits.

Supporters say kids need to understand the Bible to understand American literature. But opponents say kids are too young for this type of instruction and the materials could alienate students who aren't Christian.

Central Texas schools are finding ways to cut down on spending in the face of budget deficits. Reshuffling staff and delaying the opening of a new school are just a few of the steps districts are taking.

The size of Austin ISD’s budget deficit and salary increases for staff largely depend on whether the board calls a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election to generate millions in revenue. Without the funds generated by a new tax rate, the district will be $78 million in the hole.

Austin ISD is staring down a nearly $60 million budget deficit. District officials and school finance experts say adjusting per student spending for inflation would alleviate some of the financial strain public schools are facing.

School districts in the path of the totality cite concerns about an influx of visitors and traffic as reasons for the closures.

The Texas Legislature approved a law last year allowing religious chaplains to provide mental health services in public schools. School boards had to vote on the policy by March 1.