Would Higher Taxes Save Our Schools?
DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - As school districts around the state try desperately to close their budget gaps, a lot is at stake including hundreds of local jobs and higher taxes. But who's to blame and what can we do to secure the future of quality public education?
In these tough times, higher taxes are a tough sell. Many want the state legislature to clean up its mess. Joe Smith with the school finance watchdog group texasisd.com has been to the front lines and said it looks grim.
He equates visiting school districts to being at a funeral, it's so depressing. But as a former superintendant from East Texas, Smith saw it coming a long time ago. He says in 2006 when the legislature cut property taxes, there wasn't enough money so they've been writing what Smith calls "hot checks" ever since.
Smith believes that raising taxes is a nessesary evil in order for districts to close their budget gap. However looking toward the future, Smith said the changes need to start in Austin with the Texas State Legislature.
He says the legislature has to stop micromanaging public education. If it does, Smith said each district should have a long term plan and that board members need to handle their staff with care to maintain a positive attitude.
Joe Smith of TexasISD.com speaks with Phyllis Smith on 1080 KRLD
