Many of you have heard of the budget crisis currently facing the State of Texas. Local superintendents and local school boards across Texas are dealing with the proposed cuts in state funding to schools. No two school districts are the same, and each district makes decisions based on their local district’s needs. No one yet knows the outcome of proposed budget cuts until the state legislature debates the issues and votes on proposed funding bills. The state legislature is currently convened, and local school districts will probably not know school funding outcomes until June, when the current legislative session ends. Proposals to deal with a massive state revenue shortfall have hit schools the hardest, prompting some districts to post layoff notifications for school employees across the state. Again, at this time, local school districts do not know the exact nature and magnitude of cuts to education. Local school leaders make education a priority every day. Texas students need our state leaders to do the same and protect funding for the classroom to ensure a quality education for every child.

What is University Interscholastic League (UIL) academic competition, and why is academic competition important? The University Interscholastic League offers the most comprehensive literary and academic competitive program in the nation. It offers more than any other UIL division in terms of activities, with 22 high school and 18 elementary and junior high contests. More than a half million students participate in UIL academic contests. UIL sponsors and teachers and volunteers help Richland Springs students prepare for UIL academic events. Preparation for academic events stimulates student learning beyond the regular classroom. This learning and competition will benefit students for the rest of their lives. Students at Richland Springs are encouraged to expand their horizons and participate in UIL academic events. Competition builds excitement. Winning instills confidence. The experience is invaluable for students who participate. 22 Richland Springs high school students will participate in the district UIL academic meet in Knippa on March 25: Ashley Ferguson, Melanie Hedley, Jonathan Patino, Kateynn Teel, Brooke Vaughn, Joe Avila, Brianna Bradley, Nick Moore, Stephen Fowler, Taylor Jones, Brennen McGinty, Thomas Fowler, Tra Williams, Emily Smith, Sara Hedley, Wyatt Ramsey, Joseph Wood, Brooklyn McGinty, Taylor Terry, Ben VanCleave, Patrick Phillips, and Stephen Soto-Thornhill. Good luck and bring home the gold!

Richland Springs students and staff are enjoying spring break the week of March 14-18. Only ten weeks of school remain after spring break. School will resume on March 21st.

We have a great community, students, teachers and staff. It looks to be a great year at Richland Springs.