Gov. Greg Abbott’s Veto Pen Nixes 77 Bills, Plus What SAISD Schools are Closing?
Hello SAISD Parents and San Antonio Community Members,
This week I wanted to update you on what’s happening in Austin. Governor Gregg Abbott has vetoed 77 bills that our 88th legislation worked endless hours on. Our Governor is upset that the property tax cuts didn’t go through the way he wanted them to nor did the school voucher bill. So the Governor is sitting in a corner acting like a child by threatening to veto more bills. The idea that he is so focused on property tax cuts and school vouchers makes me wonder if he wanted to make sure these bills made it through which would beg the question of ‘then why didn’t he stay home’? Instead, he was out making speeches and false promises about changing the gun laws and funding for schools and teachers. If kids, staff, and teachers at school aren’t allowed to harass or bully others, why does he get to bully our Senators into doing what he wants buy vetoing more bills which in my opinion is a bullying tactic. The 88th legislation was filled with many educational bills, but now that our Governor is upset, we may have to attend a special session. At this time, we have no idea when the special session will occur, but until then, we can only pray that Governor Gregg Abbott can put down his veto pen and realize that he is not a King or Dictator. Until he wakes up, all we can do is pray that things will change in a way that will help everyone.
Now, let’s discuss that our school district, like others across Texas, that have to close schools. This summer, the school board is working on a study on the student population at our 90 campuses. Our district has seen a decline in enrollment for the past ten years. Keeping all these campuses open is a financial burden. Superintendent Jamie Aquino has explained that doing this study will allow the board to look at closing some schools and possibly combining some. This would help provide better services for all of the students and better resources for the teachers. The idea is to look at the study of the school building capacity to “rightsize” our student enrollment that matches the building capacity so that we can create better schools and classrooms and help both students and teachers. Parents, visit www.saisd.net to look for dates and times for school board meetings so that you can participate in this process.
Please go to the SAISD website at https://www.saisd.net/page/study_sb_capacity and read and watch the videos that our district has provided for everyone to understand this process. This school year will not be affected at all, but the community could be looking at changes being made in the fall of 2024.
I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer and staying cool. If anyone has any questions or concerns please contact me at lena.lopez@saoberver.com.
Have a Blessed Week,
Lena Lopez
