Amidst debates over private school vouchers in Texas, Republican leaders emphasize record-high public education funding, citing over $15,000 per student. However, an analysis by The Texas Tribune reveals that this figure includes expired federal pandemic funds and money districts cannot access. Adjusted for inflation, overall per-student funding has decreased recently. Additionally, the state's individual contribution to each student’s education has declined significantly over the past decade, with the base funding remaining stagnant at $6,160 since 2019. Advocates argue that these realities highlight underinvestment in Texas' public education system, affecting millions of students.
Despite recent increases in specific areas like school safety, many districts face challenges due to budget deficits, program cuts, and hiring uncertified teachers. This article explores the nuances behind these figures and their implications for Texas schools.
Understanding Per-Student Funding in Texas
The commonly cited $15,503 per-student figure stems from dividing the total state education budget ($85.3 billion in 2022-23) by the number of students (approximately 5.5 million). This amount encompasses federal, state, and local revenue sources but includes temporary federal funds from the pandemic era, which have largely lapsed. Moreover, it accounts for expenditures beyond direct district use, such as administrative costs of the Texas Education Agency.
A deeper dive into the data shows that when adjusted for inflation, per-student funding has actually dropped since 2021. Furthermore, the composition of funding sources has shifted, with the state's share decreasing until recently compensating for declines in federal and local contributions. Districts primarily focus on the base allotment of $6,160, which has remained unchanged for six years, emphasizing its importance for flexibility in addressing campus-specific needs. For instance, Paul Colbert, a former education committee chair, notes this reflects the minimum funding required to educate students without additional needs. Beyond this base, schools receive supplementary funds for students requiring specialized support, though critics claim focusing solely on the base figure misrepresents state contributions.
Recent Funding Trends and Their Impact
In recent years, Texas has increased education funding through targeted initiatives rather than enhancing the base allotment. For example, in 2023, lawmakers allocated $1.1 billion one-time for school safety measures, yet districts report insufficient resources to fully implement these requirements. Similarly, efforts have been made to address educator salary gaps, enhance school safety programs, and narrow special education funding shortfalls. However, the Senate remains hesitant about increasing the base funding despite modest proposals from the House.
Consequently, numerous districts operate with budget deficits, anticipating financial shortfalls as revealed by a survey conducted by the Texas Association of School Business Officials. Campus closures, position eliminations, program reductions, larger class sizes, and shorter school weeks exemplify responses to funding stagnation. While some Republican leaders attribute these issues to mismanagement, district officials insist on the necessity of flexible funding to meet diverse campus needs. Denise Morgan, superintendent of Campbell school district, underscores that current funding levels fail to cover basic operational requirements amidst rising living costs and fixed tax rates. Thus, the debate extends beyond mere numerical comparisons, highlighting structural complexities within Texas’ public education financing.