Texas Senate Bill SB604

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the determination of wealth per student for school districts with cost-effective spending and measurable student academic progress.

Impact

By enabling districts rated highly in both academic performance and financial management to effectively reduce their reported wealth per student, SB604 seeks to level the playing field among schools. As high-performing districts typically have greater resources, this adjustment aims to ensure that they do not lose state funding purely based on wealth metrics. This could lead to enhanced educational opportunities in districts that utilize their resources efficiently for student performance.

Summary

SB604 amends the Education Code of Texas by establishing a framework for determining the wealth per student for school districts that demonstrate cost-effective spending coupled with measurable student academic progress. This bill introduces a new criterion that applies specifically to districts rated at least four stars by the Texans for Positive Economic Policy. The main goal of SB604 is to provide a more favorable assessment of a district's wealth per student, thereby allowing those districts to benefit from the state funding formulas despite exceeding certain wealth thresholds.

Contention

While SB604 appears to promote equity among school districts, it may face scrutiny regarding its implementation. Critics could argue that it sets a precedent for districts to manipulate their wealth calculations through performance ratings rather than through genuine fiscal need, potentially complicating the funding landscape. Additionally, there may be concerns that the focus on cost-effective spending might pressure districts to prioritize budgetary constraints over student welfare and enhance educational quality.