Texas Senate Bill SB605

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the method of determining the average daily attendance in certain school districts.

Impact

If enacted, SB605 could enhance school funding for districts that enroll a significant number of out-of-state students. By including these students' attendance in the calculations, districts may be able to secure additional state funding, thereby impacting their operational budgets and resources available for educational programs. This could also promote cross-border educational opportunities, enabling smoother pathways for students and ensuring that they receive the same funding consideration as in-state students.

Summary

Senate Bill 605 focuses on the methodology for determining the average daily attendance of students within certain school districts, particularly those serving both in-state and out-of-state residents. The proposed legislation aims to amend Section 42.005 of the Texas Education Code by allowing the attendance of students from bordering states to be counted in the average daily attendance calculations, which is crucial for funding and resource allocation in Texas schools. This change is significant for districts that enroll students who qualify for in-state tuition rates, irrespective of their state of residence.

Contention

Discussion around the bill may surface points of contention regarding the equitable treatment of in-state versus out-of-state students. Proponents of the bill might argue that it provides necessary support for school districts facing challenges in funding due to fluctuating student populations. However, critics could raise concerns about the implications for state resources, potentially arguing that it could divert funds away from districts primarily serving Texas residents, thereby creating an uneven playing field in funding educational resources. There could also be discussions on whether the inclusion of out-of-state students accurately reflects the educational needs of local Texas communities, which could influence the bill's support within the legislature.