DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – The House will consider a bill that could lead to the dismantling of Dallas County Schools.
It’s the first of two proposals expected in the legislature that could shut down the agency, which serves as the bus contractor for numerous school districts in Dallas County including Cedar Hill, Irving and Weatherford.
State Representative Cindy Burkett’s House Bill 2329 would take away DCS’ ability to tax people in Dallas County and allow school districts to decide if they want to use the embattled contractor’s services.
If DCS’ clientele drops to less than 75 percent, the agency would be dissolved. DCS issued a statement in response to Burkett’s bill.
“We haven’t had a chance to thoroughly vet the bill but it’s a dangerous, slippery slope to propose cities and citizens can opt out of taxes they don’t like throughout the state. If this bill passes, it will take at least $19.5 million away from the school districts.”
“These are complicated issues, but there is one simple fact. Our drivers are delivering 70,000 children to and from school each day, and we have an exemplary safety record. Local taxpayers are fortunate this agency exists, because we do our job well and it saves millions of dollars for local school districts.”
The agency has been plagued with financial problems and mired in scandal for months.
Last month, the agency’s chief financial officer abruptly resigned. At January’s board meeting, Alan King expressed concern over a $42 million budget shortfall, saying much of it was caused by a program to put cameras in school buses.
On Thursday, the Dallas Independent School District trustees provided some relief for DCS. The board approved a $50 million contract with DCS. The 17-month contract gives the agency time to clean up its act before its too late.
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