Spring Branch ISD facing ‘difficult budget decisions’ with plans to cut 306 jobs next school year

Parents with children attending Spring Branch ISD should anticipate significant changes in the upcoming academic year, as the district plans to cut 306 positions, leading to the elimination of crucial student programs.

Superintendent Jennifer Blaine attributes these reductions to the lack of adequate funding from Texas lawmakers, emphasizing that their focus on education savings accounts (vouchers) has come at the expense of public education financing.

The district aims to trim $35 million from its budget, resulting in the elimination of 71 positions from school campuses and 144 from district headquarters.

The recent board meeting saw trustees voting to shutter two schools and terminate charter programs as part of the measures to address the budget deficit.

These cuts will also impact counseling programs, athletic training, and library services. Librarians within the district expressed concerns after being informed that their positions no longer exist, raising apprehensions about the qualifications of their potential replacements.

Former Texas Library Association President Joe Dahlstrom highlighted the importance of providing students with access to diverse perspectives and information resources.

Blaine clarified that laid-off employees can seek alternative positions within the district but are not guaranteed reemployment.