House budget aims new funds at property-poor districts

[TexasTowelie]

Only a smattering of local school districts would get a significant infusion of new money under the budget proposal up for debate in the Texas House on Thursday.

House budget-writers have included an additional $2.5 billion for school aid in the 2014-15 budget bill as they try to restore some of the $4 billion cut in 2011. The House education proposal is about $1 billion more than what the Texas Senate approved weeks ago.

Much of the added money is directed at school districts that have been getting less in per-student funding for several years, a disparity that was underscored during the recent school finance trial.

In February, state District Judge John Dietz ruled the state’s school finance system unconstitutional based in part on funding differences between school districts that are property-poor and their property-wealthier peers. Dietz’s ruling is certain to be appealed to the Texas Supreme Court.

More at http://www.statesman.com/news/news/house-budget-aims-new-funds-at-property-poor-distr/nXB9q/ .

[mbperrin]

1. Actually, it was not 4 billion that was cut. Closer to 6.

If ever there was a case to be made for improving education in Texas, look no further than the members of state government.