GARLAND, TX —The Garland Independent School District (GISD) is bracing for budget cuts in the upcoming school year, raising concerns among educators, parents, and students. Many families are grappling with the emotional impact of program eliminations, which not only affect academic resources but also disrupt the supportive environment that students rely on. This has prompted parents and educators to voice their concerns and reach out to the Garland Gazette for more insights.
Educators are particularly worried about the future of several programs, with reports indicating the following cuts:
- Elimination of AVID programs
- Loss of interventionists
- Cancellations of Jazz Fest, String Fest, and Band Fest
- No art shows at any level
- Removal of library aides and diagnostician aides
- Reduction in special education facilitators
- Decreased access to computer programs such as MAP, MClass, and Branching Minds
- Middle and high school teachers will receive only one conference period every other day
These cuts appear to be compounded by several factors, including the failure of the TRE (Tax Ratification Election) in 2020 and ongoing debates about Title I funding. The lack of increases in per-student funding amid rising inflation has left many wondering how the district will support its students effectively.
As the situation evolves, community members with firsthand knowledge of additional cuts or changes are encouraged to share information to help prepare for the upcoming school year. Garland ISD did not return our request for comment regarding these budget cuts.
The challenges facing GISD echo a broader trend among surrounding districts. In fact, over half of the 53 North Texas school districts surveyed by WFAA reported budget deficits heading into the 2024-2025 school year. The uncertainty surrounding school funding has only grown since last year.
