By Bill Zeeble, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-968288.mp3
Dallas, TX – Many North Texas school districts will be able to save jobs, thanks to every Texas district getting its share of $830 million from the Federal Education Jobs Fund. KERA's Bill Zeeble has more.
The money had been tied up since last year. Dallas ISD will get nearly $30 million for next year's budget. Fort Worth, more than $13.5 million.
Fort Worth Superintendent Melody Johnson wants to keep math coaches, special education teachers and pre-k assistants, among others. Before they voted to stop funding pre-k helpers last March, Sonya Davis urged the school board to keep her, and other teaching assistants.
Sonya Davis: Everyday I make a big impact on their lives and they make one on me. And Even though that I see my kids growing each year, and I see how they come and they thank me and their parents thank me every day for making an impact on their lives, and I tell them I'm glad that I had that impact. And I can see their progress.
Fort Worth trustees are expected to follow the superintendent's recommendations to retain jobs with the money. Arlington ISD will get more than $10 million. Officials there have not determined how they'll spend it. The district has cut 631 positions. Plano's share of federal funds will be $8.5 million.
This money only lasts a year. Some officials worry the funds merely postpone tough layoff decisions after it runs out.
Links:
tea.state.tx.us/index4.aspx?id=2147500435