York Praises Biedermann Meeting

Jason York, who represents Canyon Lake as a trustee for Comal ISD, had nothing but good things to say about a school-finance meeting on Tuesday that was organized by Kyle Biedermann, the Republican who represents District 73 in Texas House of Representatives.

York joined Comal ISD Superintendent Superintendent Andrew Kim and Dr. Tommy Price, superintendent of Boerne ISD, to discuss new ideas and strategies to address the state’s unpopular “Robin Hood” funding.

When he ran for trustee several years ago, York campaigned heavily against Robin Hood, the nickname for Texas’ school finance program, which critics say forces wealthier and rapidly growing school districts like Comal ISD to fund poorer ones.

“I am excited to hear his concern with the long-term solution of school finance and Chapter 41 Robin Hood schools,” he said of the meeting with Biedermann. “I will always be willing to work hard and smart to help find solutions to reform with regards to school finance.

“We as a fast-growth district and a district of 589 quare miles, we basically have three districts or pockets in one large geographic district. We have to help the legislature find real solutions to school finance reform especially with the fast-growth school districts.”

Biedermann suggests abolishing Robin Hood, ending unfunded mandates for school districts, and sending more money to the classroom and teachers.

“We must work together on this and stop kicking the can down the road,” he said.

“Updates to the funding formula should provide more money to schools that perform well and spend money wisely.”

Biedermann wants to see the creation of a multi-tiered school system that separates rural, urban and fast-growth schools instead of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ formula.