"One of the areas we've seen pretty consistent findings is that funding is really important for improving outcomes for students," Baumgartner said.
In a recent interview with 13 Investigates, Superintendent Mike Miles said there is a $528 million shortfall. Miles insists the financial cuts being made will not impact the classroom. Baumgartner said if such cuts are made, it could be devastating to some students.
"We know that funding is really important for public education and what it means for the resources on campus for students, including what it means for hiring teachers and paying them an adequate salary, and we are recognizing the worth of high-quality teachers on our campuses," Baumgartner said.
According to the district, schools under Miles' new education system are better funded. However, the addition of more campuses to the NES umbrella is straining finances.
"We're able to sustain 130 schools. We will not be able to expand the number of NES schools unless we get new revenue coming in," Miles said.
One way the district is trying to bring more money to campuses is through a $4.4 billion bond. If passed, the bond would be used to make campus improvements, but it would not go to classroom resources or teacher salaries.
On Tuesday at Fondren Middle School, principal LaKia Jackson pointed out chronic mold issues, cracked walls, and leaks she says bond money could fix.
"This one does go from floor to ceiling, and right here you have this wide crevice that shows the structural integrity has been compromised," Jackson said.
The district projects fixing this campus alone would cost nearly $24,000,000.
For more news updates, follow Lileana Pearson on Facebook, X and Instagram.