CYPRESS, Texas — The fight over looming budget cuts in Cy-Fair ISD continued at Monday night's board meeting. Parents packed into the board room keeping up the fight to save jobs in the district.
Cy-Fair ISD is facing a $138 million budget deficit next school year and looking to slash librarians and hundreds of teaching positions.
No actual vote was taken on the 2024-2025 budget at the meeting, but trustees and the superintendent got an earful from a packed room full of parents and students.
Parents and students held signs in support of librarians who are on the chopping block. Every single speaker spoke out against the district's plans and in support of librarians and teachers.
Parents are blaming the now majority-conservative board of trustees and on Gov. Greg Abbott. They want the board to pressure Abbott and state lawmakers to release millions of dollars in state surplus money to more fully fund education.
The state legislature didn't significantly increase funding for local school districts this past session due to an ongoing debate over school vouchers, a priority for Abbott.
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"There has been a distinct lack of transparency regarding the most recent staff reductions as well as the plan for future reductions," said one parent. "Our community deserves an immediate, comprehensive, transparent disclosure on what your plans are for staffing cuts."
"We need librarians, they empower, encourage, and create safe spaces for growing critical thinkers," said another parent. "It bears repeating, they're the heart of our schools. Please find another way to reorganize your staff."
"Your decisions don't have our best interest at heart," said one student. "I plead that you use your power to give my fellow peers and I the future we deserve. You have the ability. Call for a special session."
Board members did tell the public that a bipartisan letter has been sent to the Texas Education Agency calling for a release of funds. Parents want the district to fight for more money from the state before moving forward with any of these staffing cuts.
The board has until July 1 to approve the budget.
KHOU 11 News tried to speak to Superintendent Doug Killian since last week. We tried again Monday night and the district continues to make him unavailable to answer any questions.