Azle Independent School District has set a balanced budget for the upcoming year but it has been left hanging about whether the state will deliver on its end.
With the passage of House Bill 2 came long promised and much needed increases to school funding. As the Texas Education Agency and others begin to make sense of the new law, it has become clear that this cash comes with caveats. The recent legislature touted large allotment increases for early education, school safety, teacher retention and special education. District officials say the reality is far more convoluted. During a June board meeting, Azle ISD Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Matt Adams broke down the actual impact of HB 2.
Under the new funding model, districts are to receive $1,000 per special education evaluation. Azle ISD was allocated $274,000 — but that number doesn’t align with what the district believes it should be receiving.
