School districts push public school investments

Fast growth schools in the state, including Hays CISD and Dripping Springs ISD, need help, and are pushing the Texas Legislature to fund necessities.

The Fast Growth School Coalition, voice of the state’s fastest-growing school districts, is asking lawmakers to protect investments in public schools, to address growth allotment and other legislative priorities. Hays CISD and Dripping Springs ISD are part of the coalition.

The coalition’s legislative priorities focus on the challenges that these districts face, including public school police concerns during the pandemic.

“Increasing state funding for new facilities to ensure our fast growth districts can meet the needs of their community remains a challenge,” said Dr. Greg Smith, executive director of Fast Growth School Coalition. “COVID-19 only adds to the budget challenges and financial concerns facing our districts and public schools all across our state.”

Fast Growth School Coalition’s legislative priorities include:

• Encourage investment in facilities funding

• Support charter school transparency and efficiency

• Renew Texas’ commitment to local control

• Expand connectivity for students, schools and communities