The Houston Independent School District Board of Education postponed a vote on Thursday night related to the layoff of teachers and other campus-based employees.
HISD officials said staffing for the next school year will be impacted by budget limits, as the district’s facing a 208 million dollar budget shortfall which, they claim, is to some extent a result of hurricane Harvey’s impact.
HISD said a reduction of staff is “partly” needed because of an anticipated decline in property values, from Hurricane Harvey damage.
The district’s main source of funding is property taxes, so that would mean a decrease in revenue.
They’re also budgeting for a recapture payment, the state law requiring “property-wealthy” HISD to send a portion of local property tax dollars to the state.
But, for now, budget cuts have been put back on the table—and trustees will consider the measure when they meet, next month.