Texas Senate Bill SB69

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to the creation of a commission to evaluate the effect on school districts of the loss of additional state aid for tax reduction and recommend improvements to the public school finance system.

Impact

The bill intends to improve the current public school finance system by making recommendations for changes or new methods of financing public education. The commission will examine the relationship between state and local funding, aiming to ensure that financial resources are allocated effectively to meet the needs of Texas students. The initiative is positioned as a response to the changes in funding structure that occurred after the 2016-2017 school year, which left many districts struggling to cope without the additional aid.

Summary

Senate Bill 69 establishes the Texas Commission on Public School Finance with the objective of evaluating how the discontinuation of additional state aid for tax reduction has impacted school districts. Specifically, this bill seeks to assess the repercussions of the loss of funds, such as campus closures and staffing reductions, particularly focusing on rural districts that may be more severely affected. The commission, composed of 15 members appointed by various state leaders, aims to represent diverse perspectives, including educators and community members.

Contention

While the bill has been framed as a necessary step to stabilize funding for schools, potential points of contention may arise around the recommendations brought forth by the commission. Critics may argue about the effectiveness of state-run evaluations and suggest that local governments should have more control over financial decisions affecting their districts. Additionally, discussions surrounding the diversity of the commission's membership may emerge, particularly regarding whether it adequately reflects the makeup of Texas's student population and education stakeholders.