BELTON, Texas (KXXV) — “Having a school system and making sure that every school can have a library as a special place to learn these things that just reinforces something that is important to all of us,” said Amy Longfield . , Belton ISD parent.

• Belton ISD may have to reduce staff to save money
• New budget approved
• One percent increase from last year

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Amy Longfield is the mother of a third and fifth grade student in Belton ISD. She loves everything about the district but is saddened by the possibility of eliminating, reducing and restructuring some positions, including health care workers, central office staff and librarians.

“At first I was very shocked because I know our schools and districts value our librarians, which made me realize how dire the circumstances are,” Longfield said.

There are currently 20 campuses employing 18 librarians. Replacing librarians with paraprofessionals could save the district more than half a million dollars, or $540,000 in savings.

The district just approved a budget of more than $150 million, a one percent increase from last year. According to the district’s website, expenses were reduced by nearly $5 million to compensate for lower revenues and allow for a salary increase for staff to help build retention.

“It seemed logical to me that different cuts would be considered because the school is simply strapped for funding,” Longfield said.

According to the Budget Advisory Committee, the district is not rich in real estate, so property taxes are not collected enough to cover operating costs. But if you ask Amy, it’s an investment we can’t afford not to make.

“We all know that literacy is essential for our children,” Longfield said. “This relates to the opportunities they have as they reach adulthood.”

The Belton School District will not comment on possible reductions; if this were to happen, it would be within a certain time frame. They tell me that Texas’ legislative vote in 2025 would greatly help us fund our districts.

To view a slideshow of the Budget Advisory Committee,Click here.
To learn more about the budget, Click here.

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