September 29, 2016 5:41 PM

TEA cuts support for smaller programs out of its budget

Commissioner Morath says TEA is making a choice to support strategies that benefit the most kids rather than support the schools that struggle most

Speakers who followed Education Commissioner Mike Morath’s presentation of Texas Education Agency proposed budget at the Capitol this week revealed more about the budget fights ahead next session beyond the looming battle over school finance.

State leadership requested that agencies outline 4 percent cuts in legislative appropriations requests, apart from the foundation school program. That resulted in cuts at the agency and education service centers, plus zeroing out some of the smaller programs supported by the agency. The agency made a choice, Morath said, to support strategies that supported the most children, rather than a choice to support the most struggling schools.

TEA is forced to make tough choices it considers to be the best direction for children, Morath told the Legislative Budget Board. That meant prioritizing research-based strategies with strong results over other expenditures.

By Kimberly Reeves