Texas Senate Bill SB1887

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to performance-based supplemental funding for school districts.

Impact

The implementation of SB1887 could significantly alter the financial landscape for Texas school districts, as it ties funding to performance metrics. Districts that demonstrate high academic achievement and prudent financial management could see increased funding, while those that do not meet the established standards may face budgetary constraints. This performance-linked model is set to push districts to enhance educational outcomes and fiscal responsibility, which may benefit students and taxpayers alike.

Summary

SB1887 aims to amend the Texas Education Code by introducing performance-based supplemental funding for public school districts. It establishes criteria for determining eligibility based on the academic and financial performance of districts, utilizing metrics such as weighted average daily attendance and a newly proposed star rating system. The bill's intention is to incentivize districts to improve their performance while ensuring that funding aligns with demonstrated effectiveness in delivering educational outcomes.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, SB1887 has drawn criticism and concern from various stakeholders. Some educators and advocacy groups argue that linking funding to performance might disproportionately affect districts in lower socioeconomic areas, where challenges in education are more pronounced. They worry that the star rating system could unfairly penalize districts facing high levels of poverty and associated educational hurdles. These discussions underscore the need for careful implementation and consideration of the diverse circumstances within Texas school districts.