Relating to the small-sized district adjustment under the Foundation School Program.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would impact how funds are allocated across school districts in Texas, particularly focusing on those with smaller student populations. The adjustments in the basic allotment formula could allow for greater financial support for districts with lower enrollment, addressing disparities that can arise due to size. This is significant in the context of ensuring that educational quality is maintained across diverse district sizes and demographics.
Summary
SB324 aims to adjust the funding formula under the Texas Foundation School Program specifically for small-sized school districts. The bill proposes changes to the allotment calculations for districts with average daily attendance (ADA) of up to 1,600 students, allowing for enhanced funding based on specific student enrollment figures. It seeks to ensure that smaller districts are not disadvantaged in state funding and can provide adequate educational resources to their students.
Contention
While the bill appears to support smaller districts, there may be points of contention regarding the overall funding framework for education in Texas. Critics could argue that by allocating more resources to smaller districts, larger districts might face funding reductions or difficulties in meeting their expanding needs. Additionally, there may be debates over whether the adjustments are sufficient to truly alleviate funding shortages or disparities within the larger educational funding system.
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, 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.