Governor Perry's Executive Order: The 65% Rule

Yesterday, Governor Perry issued an Executive Order that requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to mandate that school districts spend 65% of their budget "in the classroom."  While this is a laudable goal, the definition of "in the classroom" referred to by the Governor is extremely restrictive and excludes items that districts are required by law to provide to students. 

Specifically, Gov. Perry’s Executive Order refers to the definition used by the National Center for Educational Statistics.  Under their definition, the following would NOT be included in the calculation of 65%: Administration, Plant Operations & Maintenance, Food Services, Transportation, Instructional Support, including Librarians, Teacher Training and Curriculum, Student Support, including nurses and counselors.  The combined impact of the unfunded mandates and the loss of local control caused by the implementation of this Executive Order will have meaningful, lasting, negative effects on SBISD's students.

While we all want to maximize the amount of money that is “in the classroom,” I do not believe that we can do the job we need to ensure that all students are educated without providing these “outside the classroom” services, most of which we are required by law to provide.

Please contact Governor Perry’s office to let your opinion be heard, and ask that the definition of "in the classroom" be broadened.