Texas House Bill HB2326

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the sparsity adjustment for certain school districts under the Foundation School Program.

Impact

This bill aims to lessen the financial burdens on smaller school districts that struggle with maintaining adequate educational services due to a lack of funds tied to low enrollment numbers. By providing a sparsity adjustment, the bill could lead to more equitable funding, allowing these schools to offer a broader range of programs and services to their students. Consequently, this could aid in preventing school closures and support the retention of teachers and staff in rural areas, promoting educational stability and community strength.

Summary

House Bill 2326 seeks to amend the Education Code by adjusting the funding formula for certain school districts under the Foundation School Program, specifically addressing districts with low average daily attendance. The proposed adjustments are intended to ensure that small, rural schools can maintain operational viability despite their size. The bill stipulates that school districts with fewer than 130 students in average daily attendance will receive funding based on a higher attendance figure if they meet certain criteria, such as distance from the nearest high school district or specific educational offerings.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2326 may revolve around the overall funding implications for the state's education budget. Critics might express concerns about the prioritization of resources towards smaller districts at the potential expense of larger ones, which could see funding fluctuations due to changes in the allotment formulas. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the criteria for receiving the adjusted basic allotment and whether the proposed changes adequately reflect the various needs of school districts across different locales.