Friday, May 17, 2013

Latest local news, weather, high school sports in the Rio Grande Valley

Only on 4 - Education budget cuts hit home
Posted: 12.25.2012 at 10:15 PM
Updated: 12.26.2012 at 5:25 PM
Joey Horta

Joey anchors Action 4 News at 5 pm.

0
Slideshow
Photo:

Right now a battle over money is underway in Austin.

School districts from across the state are suing to secure funding for your child's classroom.

They say more is needed for students across the state to get a quality education.

Some $5.4 billion dollars in cuts to education is being felt at classrooms across Texas.

More than 600 school districts are suing the state, claiming there is not enough funding to go around.

A revamp is on the way for standardized testing and accountability, with a big obstacle: money.

Debbie Aliseda is a McAllen Independent School District, School Board Member.

"In the valley economics is the biggest problem. Our funding is the biggest problem," said Aliseda.

She says 70 percent of students in the district are economically disadvantaged.

"What we did in McAllen is, it's not just 'no child left behind.' In McAllen what we did was, it's no child left offline," said Aliseda.

Adding technology like iPads to a classroom isn't free.

According to McAllen ISD School Board President Hilda Garza-Deshazo, juggling funds is nothing new.

"Having to work around the budget cuts, I think that's always going to be a major concern," said Garza-Deshazo.

Texas Higher Education Commissioner Raymond Paredes says there is more to it than that.

"We can't use cuts and revenues as an excuse for not providing our young people the kind of education they need to be competitive in the 21st century," Paredes told Action 4 News.

The commissioner says students need to be taught at a higher level of rigor.

But an expert witness at the school finance trial, testified that more money is needed to meet higher standards.

That is cash the state just does not have.

Testimony is on hold for the holidays.

Educators say the outcome of the trial could make a big difference in the way students are prepared for college.

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Woman takes 3-year-old with her to steal truck
Action 4 News Staff  |  Yesterday at 12:07 PM  |  13 comments
Thumbnail
Continuous sexual assault of girl lands man in jail
Action 4 News Staff  |  Yesterday at 2:42 PM  |  27 comments
Thumbnail
Stabbing with 'unknown' object sends man to hospital
Action 4 News Staff  |  Yesterday at 10:44 AM  |  3 comments
Follow Valley Central
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
RGV Diabetes Page
News, information and resources about the diabetes epidemic in the Rio Grande Valley.
Weather Sketchers
Hey kids! Submit your drawing for the Action 4 News "Weather Sketchers" program.
Valley Weather Regions
Get to know the Rio Grande Valley's three main weather regions.
Pay It 4Ward
Pay It 4Ward is a program where Action 4 News viewers can nominate a person who selflessly gives to others for a cash prize.
ADVERTISEMENT