The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE)—the largest educator association in Texas—thanks Gov. Greg Abbott, legislative leaders, and the Texas Education Agency for listening to the education community and extending the “Hold Harmless” funding provision put into place last year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The temporary hold harmless provision allows school districts to base their funding on either prior-year or current-year attendance numbers, whichever is greater, to ensure no funding is cut due to low attendance. Many parents have opted out of sending their children to public schools this school year due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. In addition, many schools have been hit by waves of illness and quarantines. 

ATPE and education stakeholders across Texas, including more than 80 legislators, had pleaded for this provision to stay in place through at least the end of the 2020-21 school year to prevent cuts to vital school funding. 

ATPE applauds the decision to announce the extension and provide this much-needed support during a challenging school year. 

“Educators have again proven to be the backbone of their communities throughout this year-long public health crisis,” said Shannon Holmes, ATPE Executive Director. “Just as school districts’ main responsibility is to educate our children, it’s the state’s responsibility to provide necessary resources so educators can do their jobs. This is an important and welcome boost of support for our state’s public schools.” 

Visit ATPE’s comprehensive Coronavirus FAQ and Resource webpage for Texas public educators. 

Download a copy of ATPE’s priorities for the 87^th Texas Legislature.

About the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE)
Founded in 1980, ATPE is the leading educators’ association in Texas with approximately 100,000 members statewide. With its strong collaborative philosophy, ATPE speaks for classroom teachers, administrators, and future, retired, and para-educators and works to create better opportunities for Texas’ five million public school students. | atpe.org