The Ellis County Press: Superintendents on ‘Robin Hood’

Superintendents on ‘Robin Hood’
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Editor on 06/12/2003 00:00:00


ELLIS COUNTY - With a new school finance plan on the horizon, several of the
county's superintendents were asked for their views on the current one, commonly
referred to as 'Robin Hood.' Their answers are listed below:
'The state has never ‘thrown' money at educating our students! The state has
to make education a priority to ensure that the quality of education students
currently receive is maintained and improved.'
- Waxahachie ISD Superintendent Dr. Bobby Parker
'Many people do not realize that when our local values increase, our state
allotments decrease. This year we expect to lose approximately $3 million in
state [aid], which we must make up locally.'
- Ennis ISD Superintendent
Mike Harper
'Additional state revenue is greatly needed. The percentage of state funding is
at an all-time low. In the past, the state funded approximately 60 percent of
the costs of public education. Through time, the burden has shifted to property
owners through increased property taxes.'
- Red Oak ISD Superintendent Dr. Kay Waggoner
'A statewide tax not based on the wealth of individual districts would be the
most equitable system. Generally speaking, the Palmer ISD has benefited from
‘Robin Hood.''
- Palmer ISD Superintendent Larry Carson