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Office of Superintendent of Schools

Board of Education Meeting of J une 12, 2014
Office of Student Support
Mark Smith, Chief Student Support Officer
SUBJ ECT: APPROVAL OF ADDITION OF MAGNET FUNDING ALLOCATIONS
TO THE 20142015 RESOURCE ALLOCATION HANDBOOK
This agenda item requests that the Houston Independent School District (HISD)
Board of Education approve a new magnet funding formula to be incorporated into
the 20142015 Resource Allocation Handbook. The new magnet funding formula
would improve equity across the districts magnet program themes as it is based on
specific guiding principles and key components. This proposed funding would
replace current magnet funding (Fund 118) and current special recurring allocation
funding (Fund 112) that were allocated to some magnets as unique per-student-
allocation(UPUA).
Guiding Principles of the New Funding Formula
Must satisfy the Board of Educations mandate for equitable funding while taking
into account each programs unique theme and cost;
Establishes an allocation for other magnet-like programs so as to simplify the
funding strategy across schools (early colleges, Futures Academies, etc.);
Funding amounts will be calculated on a per-student basis;
Funds will be allocated to schools based on the magnet structure and program
theme; and
Magnet funds will be used only for costs associated with implementing the
magnet/program theme.
Key Components of the New Funding Formula
All programs get one position, which can be used to fund a magnet coordinator;
All programs receive transportation; and
All programs get a per-pupil allocation based on the needs of each unique theme
and school level.
In alignment with the guiding principles of the new funding formula, the following per-
pupil allocations are recommended for each magnet program theme and school
level:
Magnet Program
Theme
Elementary
Schools
Middle
Schools
High
Schools
Fine Arts $350 $250 $1,150
Vanguard $410 $410 $ 410
WITHDRAWN
06/09/14
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Montessori $350 $350
STEM $125 $150 $ 150
Languages $100 $ 50 $ 50
Early College $ 50
Futures Academy $ 300
Medical Careers $200 $1,225
Criminal J ustice Careers $ 750
Engineering Careers $ 750
Aviation Careers $ 750
Maritime Academy $ 750
Other Career Program $ 50
All Other Programs $100 $100 $ 100
The proposed new magnet funding formula would be implemented over a three-year
period in order to ease the transition for schools that would receive reduced funding.
In the 20142015 school year (year one), schools would receive a 25% increase or
a 25% reduction to their magnet funding based on the proposed formula. In the
20152016 school year (year two), schools would receive a 50% increase or a 50%
reduction to their magnet funding based on the proposed formula. In the 20162017
school year (year three), the new funding formula would be fully implemented.
COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): The cost of this program will be funded with
current school-based magnet funds.
STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: School-based magnet staffs may change
based on the proposed funding formula.
ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS/IMPACT: This agenda item supports HISD Goal 1:
Increase Student Achievement, Goal 5:
Improve Public Support and Confidence in
Schools, and Goal 6: Create a Positive
District Culture and is aligned to Core
Initiative 1: Data-Driven Accountability and
Core Initiative 2: Culture of Trust through
Action.
THIS ITEM DOES REQUIRE CONSULTATION.
THIS ITEM DOES NOT ESTABLISH, MODIFY, OR DELETE BOARD POLICY.
RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Education approve the addition of magnet
funding allocations to the 20142015 Resource Allocation
Handbook, effective J une 13, 2014.