By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-952053.mp3
Dallas, TX – Anxious school districts are planning layoffs, school closings and bigger classes, as lawmakers consider state school spending cuts of up to 15%.
One North Texan playing a key role in deciding what gets funded is republican Senator Florence Shapiro of Plano who chairs the Senate's Public Education committee.
Shapiro says school funding cuts are inevitable but she wants to preserve teacher jobs. She supports giving districts flexibility to allow more than the maximum 22 students in some elementary classes. She says expanding the virtual school program will save the state money.
KERA's Shelley Kofler recently interviewed Senator Shapiro. A four and a half minute segment of the interview is posted above.