Relating to the guaranteed level of state and local funds for the instructional facilities allotment and the existing debt allotment under the public school finance system.
Impact
The implications of HB2084 are centered around the distribution of state funds for educational facilities. By establishing a fixed guaranteed amount, the bill seeks to create a more predictable funding environment for school districts. This could alleviate some of the financial pressures on districts that struggle to meet the costs of maintaining or improving instructional spaces, which are essential for providing quality education. The bill particularly emphasizes adjustments to the wealth percentile used for calculating allocations, which should help balance funding disparities among districts from varied economic backgrounds.
Summary
House Bill 2084 aims to amend the Education Code by guaranteeing a level of state and local funds for school districts, particularly targeting the instructional facilities allotment and the existing debt allotment. The bill proposes a new formula to ensure that school districts receive a specified dollar amount per student for their educational facilities, which varies by the wealth percentile of the district. The long-term goal is to stabilize funding for school districts while ensuring equitable access to educational resources across different districts in Texas.
Contention
Discussion surrounding HB2084 has highlighted some notable points of contention. Advocates argue that the bill ensures that poorer districts receive adequate funding to support their educational facilities, thus promoting equality in education. Conversely, critics express concerns that the changes to the funding formula may not sufficiently address the unique needs of underfunded districts or may favor wealthier districts in long-term funding commitments. Additionally, the expiration of certain provisions in 2026 raises questions about the sustainability of funding levels, which could lead to fluctuations that districts would need to navigate in the future.
Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, a security officer employed by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.
Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.
Relating to the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, certain allotments under the Foundation School Program, determination of a school district's assets to liabilities ratio under the public school financial accountability rating system, and credit for prepayment of the amount required to be paid by a school district for the purchase of attendance credit under the public school finance system.
Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.
Requires posted speed limit on certain limited access highways be based on speed at which 85 percent of vehicles are traveling; designated as Speed Limit Sanity Act.
Requires posted speed limit on certain limited access highways be based on speed at which 85 percent of vehicles are traveling; designated as Speed Limit Sanity Act.