Houston ISD board votes 5-4 against proposed budget

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - The Houston Independent School District Board of Education met on Thursday to vote on the proposed 2018-2019 budget. In a 5-4 vote, the board rejected that budget.

The proposed budget included $16.7 million in increases for special education, dyslexia programs and Achieve 180, the program introduced during the 2017-2018 school year to support underserved and underperforming schools, which will continue in place next school year. The proposal also includes $2.5 million for a forthcoming performance audit.

State law requires the budget be approved by June 30.

During the meeting, trustees also voted unanimously to establish a districtwide holiday and day of community service in honor of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. The day is to fall on March 31 or the Monday that precedes it starting in the 2019-2018 school year.