It is no secret that most Texas school districts, if not all, around the state are tightening their purse strings due to the current economic downturn.  A significant amount of school districts' money comes from property taxes, and with a shaky housing market, revenue is not keeping up with the demands.  

So how is this affecting Texas teachers?  A quick look at news from around the state show a dim and frustrating next school year.  Austin ISD Superintendent, Meria Carstarphen, discussed the possibility of lowering district contributions for health care, increasing class sizes, and taking away one of two planning periods for secondary teachers.  In the same speech, she discussed the importance of staff retention and decreasing turnover - is this a little contradictory? 

In the coming months, districts will be making difficult choices because of a lack of money.  How are economic conditions affecting your local school and school district?