Valley educator reacts to bill providing $8.5...

Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law on Wednesday a bill providing $8.5 billion in new funding for Texas public schools.

It’s the first increase in the state for public education funding in four years.

Under the bill, Texas school districts will receive an extra $55 per student for operational costs, $45 for staff raises and $10 for safety upgrades.

READ MORE: Gov. Greg Abbott signs $8.5 billion public education funding plan into law. Here’s how it works.

Some districts in the Rio Grande Valley have had to close schools or lay off staff, effects that have been attributed to low enrollment and stagnant funds.

“We know the cost of living has increased, but teacher salaries — educator salaries have really remained stagnant across the state for the last four years,” Vanessa Brown said.

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