May 5, 2015 5:16 PM

Despite rumors he was dropping it, Aycock pushes forward with school finance plan

Central Texas school districts along with HISD plan a push at the capitol starting Wednesday

As Texas House lawmakers prepare to debate a school finance plan as soon as this week, school districts are rallying in favor of the lower chamber’s proposal and the court case on the issue continues to simmer in the courts.

Public Education Committee Chairman Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, broke with the early House strategy and negotiated an additional $3 billion in new funds for school districts. On Wednesday, a number of Central Texas school districts – plus the Houston Independent School District – will issue a call for action for House and Senate budget conferees.

“We believe in our students, we believe in our staffs, we believe in public education, and we believe the Texas Legislature should do the right thing,” according to a news release sent out by Austin Independent School District on Monday. “Encourage your superintendents, your school board trustees, and your local business leaders to participate. We need a broad group from across Texas to make an impact on Budget Conference Committee Leaders.”

By Kimberly Reeves