On Tuesday, community members gathered at Madison High School for the first of nine community meetings to learn more about Houston ISD’s budgeting process.
Chief Financial Officer Kenneth Huewitt, General Manager Sharon Eaves and Senior Manager Glenn Reed explained how the district is funded, discussed current law versus proposed law and Title I funding, among other aspects of the district’s budget. After the presentation, Huewitt and Eaves answered several questions on the financing and support of neighborhood schools.
Many questions centered around the annexation of North Forest ISD to HISD and how this joining would affect HISD’s finances, especially after a budget cut of $75 million two years ago. Huewitt explained that annexation will have no impact on HISD’s budget and stressed, “The deficit has nothing to do with North Forest. We had this deficit a year ago when they took the money out.”
Audience members also offered suggestions on future funding, suggesting that the district reach out to certain businesses, and several audience members expressed concern over dwindling state funding.
Attendees left the meeting with valuable information on HISD’s budget and financial information, and a possible renewed interest in learning more. “I’m going to look more on the internet and pay more attention,” said attendee Juanita Castillo. “And I have my kids to help me.”
Attend one of the upcoming budget community meetings:
- May 1 – 6 p.m. at Oak Forest Elementary School (1401 West 43rd)
- May 2 – 6 p.m. at Key Middle School (4000 Kelly)
- May 7 – 6 p.m. at Jones High School (7414 Saint Lo)
- May 8 – 6 p.m. at Bellaire High School (5100 Maple)
- May 13 – 6 p.m. at Lamar High School (3325 Westheimer)
- May 14 – 6 p.m. at Revere Middle School (10502 Briar Forest)
- May 15 – 6 p.m. at Reagan High School (413 East 13th)
- May 16 – 6 p.m. at Milby High School (1601 Broadway)