Houston district proposes funding cuts at low-enrollment magnet schools

The Houston school district has unveiled a plan to cut funding and end bus transportation next year for transfer students at 20 magnet schools where enrollment is deemed too low. The Houston Chronicle says the plan is a result of a new board policy to end specialty programs that draw few students from outside the neighborhood and struggle academically. The 20 campuses will lose tens of thousands of dollars each in extra funding next year. In addition, students who transfer into the schools and get district-provided transportation would have to provide their own transportation next year. Another 13 schools are on probation for failing to meet the state’s academic standards. They will face the same penalties if they don’t improve this school year.