The Amarillo Independent School District Board of Trustees is working to come to a final conclusion regarding the schools’ low enrollment affecting their district-wide funding, as discussed during its monthly board meeting held Monday evening.
As stated during the meeting, the board has determined several options for the board to choose from. Of those options, they include forming a bond, to be voted on with the upcoming elections; waiting/advocating for changes in Texas Education Legislature relief policies; program cutbacks across the district; and/or the consolidation/closing of schools within the district and rezoning of communities; among other solutions.
According to the district, AISD currently has the budget to sustain its funding expenditures for the upcoming school year but still need a decision and motion from the board to determine the district’s course of action.
AISD Superintendent Doug Loomis said during the board meeting that this discussion stemming from lack of overall enrollment from across the district is not unique to Amarillo, and it can be seen in districts across Texas as overall lower birthrates affect the state’s educational system.