KAUZ-TV: NewsChannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TXTexoma Charter School Overcoming Budget Constraints

A multi-billion dollar state budget deficit cut a chunk of money away from public schools. Back in February we told you how officials at Bright Ideas Charter School received calls from parents considering taking their child out of larger public schools and enrolling them in a smaller, different type of education, charter school.

In just a few months Bright Ideas has seen a larger enrollment and an 8 percent cut in their budget, which the school was not at all expecting with its funds already much less than other public schools.  Officials say as the years go on enrollment is growing, which is good news, but now they have to deal with fewer dollars.

Eleven year teacher at Bright Ideas Robin Hibbard is known for her unique teaching style.

"I've been known to stand on my head in the classroom to get my point across to the students," she exclaimed.

Hibbard is a woman who will do anything for the sake of education and that transfers out of her classroom too. She, like many of her co-workers, walked in this year with added responsibility.

"We're a lot more conscience of using supplies and a lot of us are bringing in supplies of our own. Some of us have volunteered to teach elective courses without pay," said Hibbard.

It's a new school year, a challenging one at that. The $4 billion dollar public education reduction cut 8 percent out of their already meager one, which now stands at 1.4 million.

"We're good at pinching pennies, we always have, so it's just a little bit more pinch," said Principal Lynda Plummer.

According to the Texas Charter Schools Education Association website charter schools receive $2,009 less per student than public isd schools. When principal of Bright Ideas Lynda Plummer was told this summer they were receiving a cut in funding, she was shocked and changes were immediately made.

"We cut two administrative positions," she said. "One at the site in Century City and one at this site (Windthorst) and the teachers at both sites have taken over the administration position."

Not all is overwhelming. The school added one additional class after growing by 20 percent. They all believe that word is getting out about this charter school and no matter what stands in their way, they say they will overcome it.

"It looks to be pretty challenging for us and I think what we're aiming for this year is to serve the students as best we can," said Hibbard.

Crystal Hall Newschannel 6.