Education Austin wants teachers to get a pay raise. A 3% cost-of-living raise would cost about $11 million; the group has identified three sources of revenue (see “Potential Savings”) that they believe could easily cover that cost.
AISD, on the other hand, argues that it should not spend the increased property tax funds because they are subject to recapture under the state school finance systems, and that other apparent increases, like debt service savings, are offset by spending increases in other areas.
EA: Potential Savings in the Proposed 2005-06 Budget
Property tax revenue increase: $28-40 millionState payments based on enrollment: $4 million
Debt service savings from refinancing: $6 million
Total new revenue: $38-50 million
AISD: Major Spending Increases in the Proposed Budget
Teacher health insurance & retirement: $8.1 millionStaffing to cover student growth: $6.8 million
Payments to state school finance system: $3.0 million
Program and curriculum enhancements: $1.9 million
Utilities: $1.0 million
Other*: $2.5 million
Total: $23.3 million
* includes staff positions, testing contracts, start-up costs for two new elementary schools, teacher training, and more.
Major Spending Decreases in the Proposed Budget
Maintenance: $10.0 millionDebt service: $6.2 million
E-Rate reimbursements: $1.6 million
Computer equipment: $1.2 million
Other**: $2.9 million
Total: $21.9 million
** includes curriculum, telecommunications, vehicle purchases.
This article appears in July 15 • 2005.