Every time the Texas Legislature holds a session, school districts hold their breath and clutch their pocketbooks. Lamesa school Superintendent Jim Knight updated board members Thursday about keeping an eye on proposed House Bills. House Bill 3445 is a measure requiring school districts and charter schools to use their fund balances annually if they have any excess funds. Districts will be required to use excess funds to pay down debt, lower the district’s Maintenance and Operation (M&O) tax rate, compensate staff or cover the cost of deferred maintenance. “They are trying to find ways to not fund schools. That’s my opinion,” Knight said. He ...