I agree, more teachers should have been hired before hiring new administrators. I do not agree once you go over 22 kids, you must hire a new teacher and that’s best for education. Bull butter. If you follow this policy, once you get to 23, a new hire splits the class, one with 11 students and one with 12. So, you need more schools, more janitors, a bigger utility bill, etc. Our debt service is overwhelming already. Counting eye balls before hiring makes a lot of sense as it avoids over hiring. Looks like more work ahead to avoid this communication issue next year.  

I also believe part of the problem may be caused by unfettered tuition-free school choice for employees.  The district should know how many kids in each classroom are attending as a result of this policy.  It’s one thing to allow an employee to bring their child to the school where they work. It is quite another to allow a teacher to send their child to any school in the district they so choose, regardless of the budget and class size implications. Nuts.  

I’ve argued to reinstate school choice for taxpayer’s children with no success. We had such a program when I was Board President. It had safeguards in it to avoid tipping the socioeconomic balance and class over enrollment (budget). I would urge the board to give school choice to everybody with these safeguards. We’re paying the bill. Why should we be held captive? They work for us, not the other way around!  

Everybody knows it takes everything we’ve got to run our schools, and then some! To blame the state for inadequate funding while putting nearly $50 million into savings these last few years while representing a “balanced budget”to the taxpayer every single year rings hollow. I have no doubt they want more.  Don’t we all. 

Bryce Bales

Manchaca