PUBLIC EDUCATION
CHARLIE POND Association of Former Board Trustees - CCISD Chapter
The Double Edge-Sword of UNFUNDED STATE MANDATES
Response from “ Association of Former Board Trustees – Clear Creek ISD Chapter ” Joanna Baleson , Ken Baliker , Jennifer Broddle , Bob Davee , Glenn Freedman , Ann Hammond , Charlie Pond , Page Rander , Dee Scott , Win Weber
What is an unfunded mandate ? An unfunded mandate for public education refers to a legislative act that requires a school district to implement some practice or procedure for which no monies have been allocated . In short , it is a requirement to do something for nothing – or at minimal cost to the State , but with a cost to the school district . For example , in 2016 , the Legislature mandated that there had to be cameras in every special education classroom , when requested by a parent , with the capability of streaming , recording and maintaining video and audio . For a district the size of CCISD with over 50 such rooms , the cost was estimated to be over a half million dollars . Thus , the district is forced to take money from another area , often the classroom , to pay for the mandated administrative costs .
Are unfunded mandates positive or negative ? Often , they are both . In the example above , monitoring special needs children can be comforting to parents and is now considered a standard practice . Yet , by not allocating the needed funds , districts are financially burdened , with real consequences for the school district , classroom , and ultimately , the taxpayer .
Why should you care about unfunded mandates ? Mandates , regulations , and other state or federal requirements for which no monies have been appropriated cause school districts to reallocate existing funds to pay for those new expenses . By doing that , the students ’ education risks being shortchanged .
Whether intentional or not , the net effect
of unfunded mandates is to directly affect how school districts allocate money , typically reducing resources for student growth and learning . In terms of public perception , unfunded mandates make legislators appear effective and school districts appear inefficient .
Should unfunded mandates be stopped ? It is not a simple matter , as both political parties tend to pass legislation that they favor while not negatively impacting the state budget – even though school district budgets are indeed affected . Further complicating things are the groups who favor changes in schools , but who may or may not factor in the costs of implementation , provide a complete cost-benefit analyses , or explain the impact of the costs on a school district . Regardless , school boards and districts must take a strong advocacy position when it comes to legislation impacting education . To the legislator ’ s credit , in recent years they have been more conscientious about attaching fiscal notes and dedicating funds when approving bills ( e . g ., HB3 in 2019 ), although the practice is still widespread .
Are school districts the only agencies affected ? No . Cities , counties , and other state-based governmental agencies are affected . According to the Texas Association of Counties , local taxpayers pay billions of dollars from unfunded mandates from both state and federal legislation and regulations . In turn , this drives up local taxes , increases the size of government , and removes accountability from the state and federal entities and passes that accountability down to the local level .
A double-edged sword for taxpayers .
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