Senate Bill Could Allow Districts To Furlough Teachers

AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM) - School districts in Texas struggling to balance their budgets could soon have some new options.

The state senate has passed a bill that allows schools to decrease teacher pay and put in furlough days.

The Senate has already approved $4 Billion worth of cuts to public education - cuts that will mean trimmed down budgets at every school dsitrict in North Texas.

Republican Senator Florence Shapiro of Plano recently introduced a bill that gives them options - instead of letting teachers go, their salaries could be reduced - and up to seven furlough days could be instituted.

Shapiro insists the move wouldn't be forever. "After we have come out of this an the 10-11 number is now at least adhered to if not greater, then these tools are no longer available to you."

Shapiro says there has to be other options than just firing teachers to make up for budget shortfalls and allowing furloughs and salary cuts for employees gives them those options.

Still, the bill did not sit well with the hundreds of teachers outside the Senate Chambers - some from North Texas.

Both the school bills now go to the House.