Parents object to proposed cuts in AISD magnet programs

Superintendent Bamberg


NORTHEAST — Aldine ISD is faced with a budget problem, and is looking for ways to cut expenses in the upcoming school year. One of the proposals made by Superintendent Wanda Bamberg and Asst. Superintendent Keith Clark is to eliminate the Magnet program at 5 of the 22 schools where it is offered.

A spokesperson for the district told the Northeast News that $25 million must be cut from the budget. A hiring freeze, reduced department budgets, and increased class sizes have not solved the problem, and other cuts are necessary. The Magnet program reduction would affect Carroll Academy, Hill Intermediate, Stovall Academy, Harris Academy and Smith Academy, according to the current proposal.

Parents of the 647 students enrolled in this program appeared at the last board meeting on Jan. 11, and will be present at the special meeting on Jan. 25 that is expected to act on this budget.

State Legislators might have an opportunity to correct or amend the financial help for Texas school districts in their next session, but this would not occur for the current school year.

State Representative Armando Walle told the Northeast News that he was against the closing of some magnet programs, including the Mendel school, and would be working in the legislature to fund relief.

(For the full version of this story, please see print edition.)