As the 89th Texas Legislature begins on January 14th, Klein ISD’s Board of Trustees on January 13th announced its 2025 legislative priorities (safety and security, expanded funding for student programs). etc.) were considered.
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Since the KISD board adopted the district’s 2025 legislative priorities on Nov. 11, district officials have held five meetings with at least 100 community stakeholders, according to the KISD chief of staff. Dana Hernandez said on January 13th. He said the district meeting was held to gather and disseminate feedback on priorities. Ahead of the 89th Texas Legislature, there is growing awareness of budgetary challenges.
“These participants provided a lot of good feedback, which will be important because we need your help to protect the quality instruction that all students are accustomed to at KISD. “,” said Chief Financial Officer Daniel Schaefer.
According to KISD’s website, the district’s legal priorities for 2025 are:
Funding: KISD is advocating for an increase in the base allotment ($6,160 per student, which has not been increased since 2019) and increased funding for state mandates. Innovation in college, career, and military readiness programs: Districts would like to see more funding. Offering dual-enrollment college courses, workforce development programs, and military enlistment opportunities, our programs better prepare students for “post-graduation success.” Recruitment and retention of teachers and staff: Districts are asking the state for help with retention measures, such as increased teacher pay and flexibility in hiring for “hard-to-fill positions.” Safety and Security: KISD is asking the state to help fund campus security, mental health resources, and emergency preparedness. Transparency and Accountability: The state’s voucher program would give families public funds to send their children to private schools, but KISD is moving away from the program, which does not require private schools to be held to the same standards as public schools. I’m against it. The district is also pushing for clarity on the state’s accountability metrics by June 1.
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According to KISD’s Jan. 13 presentation, the “unfunded mandate” costs KISD approximately $76 million annually. Areas that are underfunded include:
Special education is underfunded by approximately $51.4 million Transportation is underfunded by approximately $15.8 million Safety is underfunded by approximately $8.7 million What’s next?
With the Texas Legislature in session, Hernandez said the next step in KISD’s advocacy will be to select five Klein Leadership Coalition “Legislative Captains” to represent the district and work with legislators. .
