Texas Association of Mid-Size Schools

Testimony to the Senate Committee on Education
April 15, 2003

My name is Denny Crow.  I am a retired superintendent from Lampasas Independent School District and currently represent the Texas Association of Mid-Size Schools.  Mrs. Mary Ann Whiteker, Superintendent of Hudson ISD, is president of the Texas Association of Mid-Size Schools. Because of a noon school board meeting in her district, she could not be here today.

The Texas Association of Mid-Size Schools (TAMS) represents over 240 school districts ranging in size from 1250 students to over 5000 students.  Our association serves 605,000 students across Texas. 

I am here today to testify for S.B. 352 on behalf of our president and membership and especially our Chapter 41 districts.  Chapter 41 districts were excluded from the mid-size school adjustment because of a political situation.  We (TAMS) included them in the original formula, and we have supported legislation every session since for their inclusion.  The intent of the formula is based on the diseconomy of scale problems that exist with small and midsize districts because of their limited enrollment and is not based on the wealth of a district.  Chapter 41 districts have the same size related inefficiencies as Chapter 42 districts but have been totally excluded from the formula.  No other group of districts has been excluded from school finance allotments and adjustments provided for by Chapter 42 as these districts have from the mid-size formula. 

TAMS strongly supports the inclusion of Chapter 41 districts in the mid-size formula because it is an issue of fairness and equity.

 I appreciate the opportunity to speak in support of S.B. 352, and I thank you for your time.