The
Thursday, September 4, 2014
www .spring town-epigr
Cross country season begins in Burleson
Page 10A
aph.ne t
Watson named new ESD1 fire chief
Page 1B
Volume 51, Number 20
$1 Springtown, Texas 76082
SHS Wins Opener
The first football game under new Porcupine head coach Brian Hulett was a big success. Springtown bashed Decatur 49-21, pulling away in the second half. STORY, PHOTOS on Pages 10-11A. Photo by Mark K. Campbell
SISD reacts to ruling on school finance system Funding per student over $1,300 lower than other local districts BY Natalie Gentry Springtown Independent School District is pleased with Judge John Dietz once again ruling that the current school finance system violates the requirements of the Texas Constitution, Superintendent Mike Kelley said. For a second time in 18 months the state judge overturned Texas’ school finance system. Dietz ruled in favor of the more than 600 school districts across the state – including SISD who sued the state almost three years ago. The districts claimed that the school finance system inequitably and insufficiently funded SISD and many more with similar circumstances. In a “ruling and findings of fact” document that is over 400 pages long, Dietz said that the state’s school finance system is unconstitutional not only because of inadequate funding and flaws in the way it distributes
money to districts, but also because it imposes a de facto state property tax. “It is important to note that Judge Dietz’ ruling is ‘stayed’ until July 1 of 2015,” said Kelley. “I believe Dietz intends to allow the Legislature an opportunity to ‘address the infirmities in the system.’” Dietz originally found the funding system unconstitutional in February 2013 after a 12-week trial pitting the state against school districts, but withheld his final decision in the case after legislative leaders indicated they would address the issues raised by Dietz during their 2013 session. In this second ruling, Dietz said, “The court finds that the Legislature has failed to meet its constitutional duty to suitably provide for Texas public schools because the school finance system is structured, operated and funded so that it cannot provide a constitutionally adequate education
for all Texas schoolchildren.” Kelley explained that this disproportionate funding has affected SISD. “The gaps in funding levels among districts across the state is significant, from as low as $4,000 per weighted average daily attendance (WADA) to more than $14,000 per WADA,” He said. “Locally, the ‘Total Revenue Per Pupil’ that SISD receives from state, local, and federal funds is considerably lower than most of our neighboring districts,” Kelley continued. “In fact, the average difference in revenue is over $1,377 per student in our area, and it is not due to SISD’s local tax rate being lower. “The funding system is clearly inequitable – that fact cannot be denied, and the math is very simple,” He said. “The significant challenge our legislature faces is determining what a sufficient funding level should be, and then figuring out how to equitably dis-
tribute that money. It will be no easy task, and great compromises will have to be reached.” Kelley said he doesn’t expect to see many changes right away. “At the risk of sounding pessimistic, I think it is unlikely that districts will see much movement during the next legislative session – the school funding crisis is incredibly complicated, and it’s almost a certainty that our Senators and Representatives will wait on guidance from the Texas Supreme Court after the appeal is heard,” he said. “This could mean that significant changes won’t be seen until – at the earliest – 2016,” Kelley continued. “Judge Dietz’ decision should be recognized as the first part of a very long, slow process. “I’m certain that change is coming – but when change will come is still up in the air.”
SISD Superintendent Mike Kelley said it still could be years before the school funding lawsuit is settled. Photo by Mark K. Campbell
Council considers 2nd phase of detailed plan
Old Coaches Day
Water, infrastructure, parks discussed by Natalie Gentry The Springtown City Council looked at the second phase of the city’s comprehensive plan update during its last meeting. The presentation – given by Tim Glendening of Public Management, Inc. (PMI) – discussed elements such as water and storm water drainage systems, and infrastructure like the Central Business District (CBD) and recreation and open spaces. He also outlined steps the city can take to strengthen and enhance each system. Two coaches with long Springtown ties met on opposing sidelines Aug. 29 in Azle. Former Porcupine head coach Billy Reed (right) and Gary Rushing, Reed’s SHS defensive coordinator for years, reunited – this time directing six-man teams. Rushing’s state-ranked Azle Christian School popped Reed’s Bryson Cowboys 48-0 on the Crusaders’ gridiron. Photo by Mark K. Campbell
Follow us on Twitter @SpringtownEpi
After an analysis of the area PMI identified five elements the city can address to ensure adequate delivery and storage of water. Glendening noted that the first activity recommended is already being addressed by the city. “Just last month Springtown was awarded $275,000 for the rehabilitation of the 100,000-gallon ground water storage tank on 5th Street,” said City Administrator Mark Krey. Other recommended activities Glendening addressed included the installation of a new well, addition of improvements to the booster plant, replacement of undersized lines Water system This section of the plan discussed throughout the system, and expanded the basic supply and delivery system water services to unserviced areas. of water for businesses and residences of Springtown. PLEASE SEE WATER, PAGE 3A.
Like The Springtown Epigraph on Facebook