The budget deficit has affected everyday learning in the classroom as the 2024–25 school year begins, creating many obstacles along the way.
On Jan. 10, 2023, the Legislature failed to increase the basic allotment during the 88th session. Without additional funding, the district might have to consider laying off teachers with one to three years of experience for the 2025–26 school year. The next legislative meeting will be held Jan. 14, 2025.
Denton ISD has delayed the opening of Hill Elementary School, a new campus in the Braswell zone. It was planned to open this year, but due to the budget deficit, it will remain empty until fall 2025.
“This year we are about two thousand dollars less than what we were. With so many science classes the budget is split so thin based on what everyone needs,” Ivey Ridge said.
The impact extends beyond teachers — it affects entire departments, such as science, which must split funds among more than 10 classes with a 20% reduction from last year’s budget.
“We have more of a limited budget when it comes to producing shows,” Emalee Searles said. “Now it has taught our students how to work with the resources we already have rather than starting fresh every single time.”
It has been a learning experience not only for teachers but also for students as they try to enjoy their extracurricular activities.
“In my floral design class in that class, I have to purchase many different supplies. I had to become really creative with how I teach specific topics and TEKS using the budget I have,” agriculture teacher Ellen Todar said.
In a time when things are tight, Todar has found ways to be more creative with her spending and instruction.
“We do try to influence people to stay financially conscience,” said Searles, a 12th grader. “We only get a certain amount of the things we have, let’s not be reckless with them, let’s be gentle because it’s expensive to replace stuff.”
When resources are limited, it is essential for students to be cautious when using school property.
“We as teachers try really hard to engage in hands-on activities as much as possible,” Todar said. “I think it’s really going to change the dynamic of some of the lessons we are able to teach. Instead of doing the skill we are just teaching the skill and the concept.”
The activities students are used to doing are changing. For instance, CTE classes won’t be able to practice the skills they are learning for future careers.
“I’m afraid that teachers are not making enough money to live and are spending so much money on their classrooms. They are just going to call it quits if we continue to not be funded as we need to be,” Ridge, a chemistry teacher, said.
