PEARLAND, Texas -- Bill Buel knows the impact his class can have on a child.

He teaches introduction to engineering.

But because of budget cuts, some students won’t be able to take the class next year.

In fact, at Pearland ISD cuts are so drastic that the school board is considering scaling back electives.

That includes classes at the elementary and middle school levels, and could include programs such as drama.

“We are looking at programs across the district. We are not expanding any programs,” said Renea Ivy-Sims, who is with the district.

Educators blame the budget crunch on the state-funding formula.

For example, in CyFair ISD each student is worth about $4,489 in state funds.

Meanwhile, a student in neighboring Tomball ISD is worth $5,415.

That’s nearly $1,000 more.

“It shouldn’t make a difference where you live as to how well your child’s education is funded,” said Ivy-Sims.

When the legislature created the new formula, it was designed to provide tax relief from high property values.

But experts say that this so-called quick fix has only created more problems.

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Jesus Amezcua is with the Harris County Department of Education.

“It doesn’t account for inflation. It does not provide the flexibility for districts to be able to deal with challenges it faces as in terms of growth,” he said.

And, as costs like fuel keep rising, some districts are having to make some tough choices.

Back in the classroom, Buel says he feels for the students.

“I’m upset by it, because I don’t want to cheat the children and that’s really what we are doing,” he said.