In a recent update to parents and staff of Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (GCISD), Superintendent Brad Schnautz emphasized the critical need for increased funding in public education as the 89th Texas Legislature prepares to convene on January 14. Speaking to stakeholders, Schnautz stressed the importance of grassroots advocacy in influencing legislative outcomes that could significantly impact local schools.
Superintendent Schnautz highlighted his recent discussions with key figures in Texas education, including Representative Brad Buckley, the chair of the House Public Education Committee, and Mike Morath, the Texas Education Agency Commissioner. During these meetings, they examined the current state of public education funding, which remains a pressing priority as lawmakers gear up for their new session. However, Schnautz noted that while the initial budget proposals from both the House and Senate represent progress, they still fall short of reaching the funding levels that Texas schools experienced in 2019. This situation is particularly concerning given that the state is entering the session with a projected surplus of billion.
In his appeal to district families, Schnautz encouraged them to advocate for increased educational funding by engaging directly with their state legislators. He outlined practical steps that parents and community members can take to support the district’s legislative efforts. These include familiarizing themselves with GCISD’s legislative priorities available at PLACEHOLDER36f1e0a2b265ad04, exploring the district’s collaborative initiatives with other Texas school districts at PLACEHOLDERa478494fee633cae, and contacting lawmakers to express support for enhanced public school funding. Contact information for representatives can be accessed at https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home.
“Increased funding for schools is not just about our students—it’s about the long-term vitality of our community,” Schnautz remarked, highlighting the interconnectedness between educational investment, economic development, and community sustainability. He argued that a strong educational framework leads to a robust local economy, ultimately benefitting the entire community.
The backdrop to this advocacy is the ongoing financial challenges faced by many school districts across Texas, primarily a result of stagnant state funding levels since 2019. This has spurred local measures, such as the recent approval of a Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE) in GCISD to address a projected shortfall of .3 million. As the new legislative session approaches, stakeholders are urged to unite their voices to ensure that the future of public education receives the attention and resources it demands for the benefit of all Texans.
