Texas House Bill HB528

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to including students enrolled in open-enrollment charter schools in the determination of a district's weighted average daily attendance for purposes of complying with equalized wealth level requirements.

Impact

The inclusion of charter school students in WADA calculations is significant as it has implications for how school funding is distributed across districts. Districts with a high number of students attending charter schools would likely receive additional funding, aimed at ensuring they meet equitable educational standards. This change could enhance the financial stability of districts affected by student migration to charter schools, allowing them to maintain resources and support for all students.

Summary

House Bill 528 aims to include students enrolled in open-enrollment charter schools in the calculation of a school district's weighted average daily attendance (WADA) for the purpose of complying with equalized wealth level requirements. This amendment to the Education Code seeks to align certain funding formulas with the realities of student enrollment in both traditional public schools and charter schools, as the latter have seen significant growth in recent years. By including charter school students in WADA, the bill intends to provide a more accurate reflection of student populations and district needs.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, the bill may face contention regarding the implications of funding allocations and the fairness of including charter school populations in traditional district calculations. Opponents might argue that this could disproportionately allocate resources to districts experiencing a decline in traditional student enrollment while favoring charter schools. Discussions among lawmakers may also revolve around how this change influences the overall landscape of public education funding and the perceived quality of education provided by charter schools versus traditional public schools.