KRGV.com

AUSTIN - Texas lawmakers will meet in Austin today to consider changing laws and policies to help to save school districts money.

The Associated Press reports the Senate Education Committee is scheduled to to hear testimony on allowing schools to share more services, both academic and operational. Senators also want to examine regional education service centers and what they provide to school districts. The goal is to learn what state laws can be changed to improve public school efficiency.

Last year the legislature slashed $4.8 billion in school funding to make up a statewide budget shortfall. Schools have since laid off more than 10,000 workers and class sizes have grown. When lawmakers meet again next year, they expect to face similar budget shortfalls.