State legislators headed back to work Jan. 13 for the start of the 84th Texas legislative session, ready to tackle high-profile issues, such as transportation, property tax relief and public education. Officials with Cy-Fair ISD are watching a number of issues related to public education this session, such as more local control, funding for fast-growth districts and school finance. "The biggest issue we are going to address is school finance," Superintendent Mark Henry said. "That's always a top priority—making sure the state fully funds whatever plan and expectations they have for public schools." Dozens of bills related to public education were prefiled in December and early January before the session began. On Jan. 12, state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, filed House Bill 654, which calls for major changes to the state's school finance system. Teresa Hull, associate superintendent for communications, governmental relations and chief of staff, said that while it is still too early to take a position on HB 654, the district is in favor of the idea that the state's school finance system needs to be overhauled. "We have tremendous respect for [Rep. Aycock]," Hull said. "He's a champion for public school districts, and he's trying to get some conversation started instead of waiting for a decision on the school finance lawsuit." HB 654 calls for the creation of school finance districts in an effort to consolidate tax bases to minimize disparities in local maintenance and operation tax collections. In a memo sent out by Aycock, the legislator said the bill would be a major departure from current law and require much modification. Another aspect of school finance that CFISD officials plan to focus on is funding for fast-growth school districts. "There are several districts in the state growing much faster than they can build facilities," Henry said. The issue of school choice is also expected to resurface during the 84th session as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has publicly stated school choice is one of his top priorities. Henry said that while a voucher program probably would not hurt the district, he believes it is harmful for the state as a whole and would set bad precedent. "We are certainly opposed to a voucher system that takes public dollars and sends them to private schools where there is no accountability, and they don't have to meet the same requirements that we do," Henry said. "We think public dollars ought to be spent on public neighborhood schools. So far, the state has resisted coming up with a voucher system, so I hope that will continue to hold."