Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Texas Senate Bill SB22

Caption

Relating to the small-sized district adjustment under the Foundation School Program.

Impact

The adjustments proposed in SB22 are significant for small-sized school districts, particularly those with less than 5,000 students. The changes would ensure that such districts receive an allotment that accurately reflects their specific needs and enrollment patterns, rather than being locked into a funding structure that may not apply fairly to them. This could help ease financial challenges faced by smaller districts, enabling them to allocate resources more effectively based on student needs.

Summary

Senate Bill 22 aims to amend the Foundation School Program specifically concerning the adjustment of funding for small-sized school districts in Texas. The bill adjusts the basic allotment formula for school districts based on their average daily attendance (ADA), benefiting schools with unique attendance patterns that do not reach the typical funding thresholds. By allowing districts with average daily attendance of less than 1,600 and providing alternatives for calculating their allotment, the bill intends to provide targeted support where it's most needed.

Contention

While the bill aims to provide a solution to funding discrepancies, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation and effectiveness. Critics could argue that the bill may not address broader issues related to education funding equity across larger school districts in comparison to smaller ones. The repeal of previous funding formulas in Section 42.103(c) and the proposed adjustments could lead to debates on the potential impacts on overall education funding distribution in Texas, which are always sensitive topics among stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB130

Relating to the small and mid-sized district allotment under the public school finance system.

TX HB19

Relating to the small and mid-sized district allotment under the public school finance system.

TX HB116

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.

TX SB2

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.