The Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees on Tuesday night adopted two resolutions, both related to financial problems brought about by pending cuts in state education funding.
  Proposed cuts in the Texas legislature could reduce state funding for education by $5 billion each of the next two years. As such, the Pasadena ISD is anticipating at least $20 million in lost funding for the 2011-2012 school year.
  At its regular meeting on Tuesday night, the board unanimously approved a "Make Education a Priority" resolution that urges state lawmakers to regard public education as "the highest priority" when considering budget issues during the current legislative session. The resolution is part of a statewide initiative by public schools to alert lawmakers to the concerns of educators.
  The resolution affirms that the board "respectfully acknowledges, applauds and joins the priority efforts to protect the pursuit of quality education for all children."
  The district has declared a state of financial exigency to deal with the anticipated funding shortfall. Officials are moving forward with plans for expenditure cuts that may include a sizable reduction in teaching and other positions for the 2011-2012 school year.
  The board also passed a resolution seeking an exemption from new drainage fees imposed by the City of Houston. According to the resolution, the new fees will cost the district an estimated $270,000 per year and could result in either an increase in tax rates or a reduction in education services in affected districts.

'MAKE EDUCATION A PRIORITY' RESOLUTION 

DRAINAGE FEE EXEMPTION RESOLUTION