Officials at Fort Bend County Libraries are urging high school students and their parents to gear up for college funding by attending the "FAFSA 101: Unlocking College Financial Aid" seminar on Saturday, January 11, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
This educational event will take place at George Memorial Library located at 1001 Golfview, Richmond. The session aims to simplify the first step toward securing federal and state financial aid – completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – before the priority deadline of February 15.
Kathy Rose, the Executive Director of CollegeCommunityCareer, based in Sugar Land, will lead the presentation. She plans to provide a detailed overview of the FAFSA-application process, advising attendees on how to systematically apply and outlining what to expect. "Completing the FAFSA is key to accessing financial resources for college; many students miss out simply because they don't understand the process," Rose stated.
Rose will share insights on the types of information required to fill out the FAFSA accurately, along with tips for avoiding common pitfalls. She won't just stop at FAFSA; the session will also explore the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) and how it differs from the federal process.
The program is free, but due to limited seating, reservations are necessary. Interested participants can register by visiting the library's official website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us under the "Classes & Events" section or by calling the library directly at 281-341-2604.
Meanwhile, Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD) is actively calling for legislative action to increase funding for public education during Texas's 89th Legislative Session. The district's Board of Trustees unveiled six legislative priorities focusing heavily on boosting the Basic Allotment— the amount allocated per student for education — highlighting it has remained unchanged since 2019.
Missy Bender, Executive Director of the Texas School Coalition, explains the urgency of the situation. "Since 2020, the state’s education spending has decreased by $9.8 billion when adjusted for inflation, leaving Texas with some of the lowest per-student funding levels nationwide, even though it boasts the world’s ninth-largest economy," Bender noted.
Without legislative action to adjust the Basic Allotment, HPISD argues local property tax revenue won't translate directly to more funding. Bender emphasized how this system allows the state to contribute less to education as local districts collect more from property taxes, effectively eliminating any real benefit for schools.
Transparency is another key priority for HPISD. The district is advocating for the establishment of a dedicated fund for recapture dollars. Bender characterized the current handling of these funds as akin to a "shell game," making it challenging to track how the money is spent. HPISD seeks clarity on how recaptured funds, currently mingled with other state revenues, are allocated.
Board of Trustees member Bryce Benson shared concerns about the financial strain this scenario places on local schools and staff salaries. The district would also like to see reinstated early payment discounts for recapture, arguing this could release millions for workforce compensation.
HPISD's priorities also call for consistent accountability standards for all educational entities receiving public funds, including school vouchers. Board president Maryjane Bonfield acknowledged the political reality faced by legislators when discussing their proposals: "Educators must advocate for changes. Without visible pressure from our community members, it is unlikely those changes will materialize," she stated.
Additional priorities set by HPISD include ensuring accurate ballot language to help voters understand issues and advocating for the prohibition of using schools as polling locations during early voting. Benson encouraged community involvement, urging residents to approach their local representatives and voice their support for increased funding and correct use of tax dollars. "Engagement is key, especially when it involves communicating the detrimental effects of stagnant funding," Benson emphasized.
Both events, the FAFSA seminar and the HPISD legislative priorities, reflect broader concerns about funding and access to education, drawing attention from state leaders, educators, and families alike. Whether through proactive resource-sharing or legislative chances, the conversation around financial aid and educational funding is more important than ever.
