Texas

Funding priorities for p-12

The Texas State Legislature is faced with making suitable provisions for funding the general diffusion of knowledge to a population of more than 5 million students, 60% of whom are low-income. With the current funding system ruled in violation of the state constitution by the District Court, the 84^th Legislature appears to be waiting on the outcome of an appeal to the Texas Supreme Court before establishing significant priorities for public schools. However, Governor Greg Abbott initiated a focus on early education. House Bill 4 established the High Quality Pre-K Grant Program. This program provides state grant funds as an option for districts to implement a program that is free of tuition or fees (Huberty et al. 2015).

Changes to funding formula for p-12

Legislation was introduced that would restructure the way Texas funds public education. No related bills were approved by the 84^th Legislature. Approximately 3.56% was added to the foundation school program by increasing the basic allotment, state funds for facility construction was increased or reinstated. Other items funded outside the foundation program include the previously mentioned pre-K program, communities in schools, Teach for America, and instructional materials funding (“84th Texas Legislative Session Final Bill Report,” 2015, p. 51)

Pressing state issues affecting p-12

In February 2013, and after a rehearing and subsequent ruling in August 2014, District Judge John Dietz ruled the school funding system in violation of the Texas Constitution for failing to provide suitable provision for funding schools. The Judge also ruled the system in violation of the constitutional prohibition on ad valorem taxes. The Supreme Court is not expected to rule on the appeal until some time in 2016. Therefore the Legislature did not make any substantial changes to the funding system. Legislation for tax relief was enacted in the form of increases to the homestead exemption and a decrease in business franchise taxes (“84th Texas Legislative Session Final Bill Report,” 2015, pp. 63–65).

Exclusive to p-12: forces diverting funds from traditional public school districts

Texas currently has 197 active open-enrollment schools. The 83^rd Legislature created a graduated increase in the cap on open-enrollment charters from 225 by September 1, 2014 to 305 by 2019 (2014 Comprehensive Report on Texas Public Schools, 2015, p. 217) Legislative efforts to create vouchers or tax credits for private school choice and charter school facilities failed in the 84^th Legislature.

P-12 per-pupil expenditure and allocation of state dollars

Texas reported actual tax and other revenues for education of $48,468,290,586. This represents 40.5% state, 48.4% other, and 11.1% federal allocations for all districts and charters. Total operating expenditures were $8,327 per student for 2012–13 (Snapshot 2014 Summary Tables State Totals, 2014). Texas ranks 40^th in the nation on P-12 expenditures per student (National Education Association, 2015, p. 57).