By Dr. Rocky Kirk

For those of us who have been on this earth for a while, we are able to look back in time and recognize that specific events sometimes play out larger than we might have imagined at the time. Such is the case now as our state legislature is in session and Texas public school districts attempt to respond to our state leaders’ intent to reduce state spending on public education by $9.8 billion over the next two years.

I believe that the majority of Texas citizens may not be paying attention, and I mean really paying attention, to these events — the result of which will shape the lives of our children, grandchildren or other youngsters who will in just a few short years hold the future of Texas in their hands. And if Texans fail to understand the significance of their voices being heard at the Capitol as our legislators develop opinions and cast their votes in favor of or with indifference toward Texas public education, we and future generations of Texans will suffer a great loss.

It is undeniable that those of us who have been blessed with work that has allowed us to have our needs met and raise our families, contribute to the good of our communities and satisfy our desire to make a difference in this world have been able to do so because of a quality education. For the current generation of young Texans who are in our public schools, the quality of their future educational experience hangs in the balance — and each of us, acting upon our responsibility as citizens of a democracy must pay attention and participate in the political process.

As your school superintendent, it is imperative that I share with you a few key pieces of information that could make all the difference in helping protect the integrity of the Lake Travis ISD and many other districts across the state of Texas.

n It has been proposed by leadership at the Capitol to reduce state spending on public education by $9.8 billion over the next two years. If this happens, it is anticipated that Lake Travis ISD will be forced to reduce its operating budget by approximately 33 percent. That translates to a reduction in our budget of approximately $17 million in each of the next two years. If this were to happen, our school system would be almost unrecognizable in comparison to our current teacher to student staffing ratios and academic and extracurricular program offerings. As a superintendent friend of mine has stated recently, the effect would not be “cutting” into the quality of educational offerings, rather, it would be “gutting” our system.

n Recently, state leaders have indicated their desire to take school district money that resides in our fund balance (savings account) to offset the $9.8 billion deficit. LTISD anticipates a fund balance of approximately $26 million at the end of this fiscal year (August 2011). These dollars allow us to pay our bills and cash flow our school district throughout the year rather than having to borrow money at certain times of the year to pay our staff and meet our other financial obligations. Under current legislative proposals, the state of Texas will force school districts to deplete these necessary reserves. Make no mistake about it; these are your tax dollars, not the state of Texas’ dollars. Your local school taxes funded our savings account. Some of our state leaders believe these are state dollars not local dollars. Don’t believe it.

n The state of Texas has a “Rainy Day” fund of approximately $9.5 billion. This is a fund of invested state monies designed and intended to be used in the event of what common sense would suggest is a “rainy day.” If the current state budget crisis is not evidence that we are living in the midst of a “rainy day,” then what does that really look like? We must work hard to convince our legislators of the importance of using half of the rainy day fund to offset the devastating effects the proposed $9.8 billion reduction would have to LTISD.

It is imperative that local taxpayers understand the egregious impact that our school district will be forced to deal with if our political leadership fails to act reasonably and responsibly regarding this issue. Do local school districts have a responsibility to share the burden as it relates to the state budget deficit? Absolutely! However, local school districts would be decimated if our political leadership fails to understand the importance of investing adequately in our children’s education. A well-educated Texas is a healthier and more dynamic Texas. The future economic reality of our state is directly affected by the quality of education that today’s children receive. They will be the leaders of tomorrow. Investing in education now pays dividends for all of us — now and into the future.

Please consider contacting those who represent you at the Capitol. They are under much pressure on this issue, and by hearing from you, they will be encouraged to do what is necessary to protect your investment in your school system.

Their contact information:

Governor Rick Perry

Citizen’s Opinion Hotline: (800) 252-9600

Main Switchboard: (512) 463-2000

Fax: (512) 463-1849

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 12428

Austin, Texas 78711-2428

The Honorable Paul Workman

Capitol Office: EXT E1.216

Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0652

Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910

Austin, TX 78768

District Address: P.O. Box 2910

Austin TX 78768

Phone: (512) 463-0652

The Honorable Kirk Watson

Capitol Office: EXT E1.810

Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0114

Capitol Address: P.O. Box 12068

Capitol Station

Austin, TX 78711

Dr. Rocky Kirk is the Superintendent of Schools for Lake Travis ISD.