Budget cuts the focus of HISD board meeting

HOUSTON

The trustees listened to budget updates from HISD staff members, including cuts to central administration, teaching staff, and proposed cuts to summer school. We first told you on Wednesday the district will cut about 1,200 teachers, librarians, and nurses, and 282 non-classroom employees. The school district will also look at using its rainy day fund.

"I'm not saying we won't go into it. The state went into theirs. But we are knowing that we're trying to protect the student learning, the classroom, the teacher effectiveness programs and that will mean some programs that are near and dear to our heart, central programs being cut. It does mean some schools being closed," said HISD Board President Paula Harris.

HISD has discussed closing four schools. The district said it may also look at closing or consolidating smaller campuses.