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Belton ISD board adopts 2025 legislative priorities, cites special education and funding
Summary
The Belton ISD Board of Trustees voted 5-0 to adopt legislative priorities for the 89th Texas Legislature, emphasizing special education funding, adjusting the basic allotment for inflation, expanding CTE and seeking clearer bond ballot language.
The Belton Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously Monday to adopt a set of legislative priorities the district plans to advance to state representatives ahead of the 89th Texas Legislature.
Doctor Golden, the superintendent, told trustees the priorities were developed through a series of listening circles with PTA/PTO leaders, district site-based committee members, campus leaders, municipal officials, faith and nonprofit leaders, law enforcement and facilities planners. The work, Golden said, surfaced three broad themes: accountability and transparency, student experience and teacher and staff efficacy.
At the top of the list, the district urged lawmakers to improve funding for students with special education needs. "We have added multiple millions of dollars in staffing since 2019 specifically in the area of special education," Golden said, adding the district's special-education population and complexity of need have continued to grow.
Other priorities included asking the state to fund schools based on enrollment (the basic allotment), not attendance, and to account for more than 20% inflation experienced since 2019. The district also recommended expanding career and technical education funding so programs like Project Lead The Way can begin in elementary school, and continuing support for high-quality state instructional materials.
Trustees praised the community-driven process. Board members who spoke said the listening sessions broadened participation beyond typical stakeholders and reflected local priorities. One trustee characterized the funding request as an effort "to be whole" relative to inflation rather than a request for additional spending.
A motion to adopt the legislative priorities was made by Miss Bass and seconded by Mister Floor. The motion passed 5-0.
Votes at a glance
- Adoption of Belton ISD legislative priorities: Motion by Miss Bass; second by Mister Floor; Vote: 5-0 in favor.
What happens next
The district plans to share the adopted priorities with stakeholders and local representatives during the bill-filing period and into the legislative session that begins in January. Board members noted opportunities for community members to join meetings with legislators if they wish to advocate alongside district staff.
The board moved on to other business after the vote and later approved the consent agenda before adjourning to closed session at 8:09 p.m.
