Gov. Rick Perry announced an incentive for school districts that pool resources and save money by cutting administrative costs that divert much-needed funds from the classroom. Participating districts would receive a grant from the state equaling 10 percent of their total savings from the first year.
“This new school savings incentive rewards Texas school districts that save money by partnering with other districts and entities to share some of these tasks and their associated resources,” Gov. Perry said. “These functions can often be performed more efficiently over multiple districts, representing an ideal opportunity for cost savings.”
Although cooperative purchasing is not a new idea, an incentive for Texas school districts to participate in co-ops would be new. This incentive is not yet budgeted but would be part of the Governor’s larger education agenda next session.
For more information about the governor’s education priorities, please visit: http://governor.state.tx.us/initiatives/education/