Fighting for Hard-Working Teachers and Our Public Schools
September 17th, 2008CORPUS CHRISTI, TX— State Representative Abel Herrero(D-Robstown) urged state officials to address the spiraling costs facing school districts across the state and encouraged Robstown School Board members to take emergency action to resolve the possibility of delayed paychecks for teachers and all school district personnel.
In several letters to state and local officials, Herrero urged action on behalf of teachers, school district personnel and Texas students.
“Our school district employees including teachers, librarians, and all support staff make a significant contribution to our communities and the education of our children. Because of their importance and because their well-being is and should remain a priority, I encourage to take immediate steps to help resolve the current financial hardships many of our school districts are experiencing due to spiraling costs.
“With rising transportation costs, utility bills and food expenses, school districts are facing a hard choice to tighten their budgets by either laying off teachers, support staff or cutting back on crucial educational services. I realize that under difficult economic times, it is expected that school districts will need to review and evaluate their budget, but Robstown Independent School is currently at a crossroads on these financial limitations possibly leading to delays in paychecks for hundreds of school employees. However, Robstown Independent School District is not alone in their current budget crisis in that many school districts across the state are also in financial distress. We, as state leaders, must join in our efforts to provide any relief within our means that will ensure, not only that our teachers and school employees receive a reliable paycheck, but also that the doors remain open to our students.
“I am confident that you, as I do, grasp the urgency of these economic barriers facing our public education system and will strongly consider meeting to discuss a budget execution of funds to the Texas Education Agency for our public schools. As state representative, I support an emergency declaration in the 81st session in order to resolve this issue and take a stand for our children.”