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The governor touted Texas’ strong economy in his State of the State address Sunday, where he also laid out priorities he wants lawmakers to focus on in the months ahead. These include creating a school voucher-like program and lowering property taxes.
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A proposal to create a school voucher-like plan for Texas was advanced by the Texas Senate Education Committee on Tuesday night, giving voucher supporters like Gov. Greg Abbott their first major win of the legislative session.
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The district said it will save $2 million by closing Valley View after the current school year and sending students to Barton Creek. Some families criticized the decision as shortsighted and rushed.
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The school board will vote Tuesday on whether to shut down Valley View Elementary and send students to Barton Creek during the next school year. Some families worry the decision is being rushed.
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Chronic absenteeism leads to worse student outcomes and fewer state dollars for Texas school districts. Austin ISD and its campuses are making a concerted effort to improve attendance, especially among students who are at the highest risk for missing school.
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Austin ISD is looking to cut $26 million during the current school year and another $66 million over the next two. District officials have said certain cuts are off the table – like eliminating librarian, counselor or nurse positions – for at least the upcoming school year.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.