AMARILLO,TEXAS -- The future for Texas lawmakers includes facing a deficit.
One idea being thrown around right now is increasing elementary school class sizes, which in turn would cut costs.
Since 1984, the rule has been 22 students to one teacher.
Legislators are looking at raising that number, hoping that would help school districts save some much needed money.
State Representative John Smithee says that will affect small and rural schools more than anyone.
"What we're looking for is saving money without quality of service. So I think that if we can re-allocate money in the education system and spend it more wisely,more efficiently I think all of us are for that."
Smithee adds flexibility in classrooms could save the state millions. If the schools could just add a student here and there it would save small and rural school districts from adding teachers and classes.
"Let those school districts spend those dollars where they can be most effective, and if they add a student or two to a class to save money, they can spend it in an area more effective with students."
This is just one of the many items lawmakers will examine next year when they look for ways to save money.
