Spring Branch Ed. Dr. Guthrie announced that budget deliberations are under way with the Board of Trustees, and the first workshop was scheduled for April 16. With a state-wide teacher shortage imminent, attracting and retaining quality educators remains a top priority. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Austin continue to debate how to pay for a state-wide healthcare plan.
Numerous questions remain about cost and method of delivery.
Under current funding guidelines, as local values go up, support from the state goes down. Until the session is over, many of the proposed bills impacting public education will be undecided. In response to a question about new school starting times, the Superintendent said it is being discussed because of transportation costs and lack of drivers. Efficiencies need to be created and the final decision will be made in the best interest of the district. This was the final Teacher Advisory Committee meeting for 2000-01.