Texas Senate Bill SB4

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to public school finance and public education.

Impact

The legislation targets significant changes in the way that public education is financed, particularly affecting smaller and underfunded school districts. By establishing new allotments based on student attendance and district wealth, the bill seeks to reduce funding disparities across the state. SB4 also mandates school districts to implement specific performance improvement plans, especially for those with high dropout rates, ensuring adequate funding is directed toward research-based strategies for dropout prevention and improving student achievements.

Summary

Senate Bill 4 (SB4) is an act focused on reforming public school finance and education in Texas. The bill proposes several amendments to the Education Code to update the definitions and regulations concerning the allocation of state and local funds for school districts. A central intent of SB4 is to introduce more equitable funding formulas that consider the varying wealth levels of school districts, specifically targeting those described as 'educationally disadvantaged'. This aims to ensure that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, has access to quality education and the necessary resources.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB4 is the balance between state and local control over school funding. Critics argue that while the bill aims to provide much-needed resources to disadvantaged areas, it could inadvertently lessen local autonomy by centralizing financial decisions. Furthermore, the requirement for all high school students to complete federal financial aid applications (FAFSA) before graduation has sparked debate, with opponents concerned about potential barriers it might create for students, despite its intention to improve college access and readiness.