Funding Of Our Public Schools Is On The Ballot

/in /by

Coppell is fortunate to be home of one of the top public school districts in the state!

The Coppell Chamber of Commerce, through its Government Affairs Task Force, supports an increase in the funding for public and higher education to ensure higher teacher salaries, school safety and security, workforce readiness and a talent pipeline to maintain our region’s economic competitiveness.

With all 150 seats in the Texas House of Representatives and 15 of the 31 seats in the Texas Senate up for election in November, the results of the election will have very real consequences on the funding of Texas’ public schools, which enroll more than 5.5 million students across Texas, including 13,361 in Coppell.

From the Texas Association of School Boards:

“The 88th Texas Legislature was, overall, a disappointment for Texas public schools. While attempts to create a voucher program were unsuccessful, the session ended with no increase in per-student funding and no money designated for teacher pay raises, despite a $33 billion budget surplus.”

For a recap of the last Legislature’s work on school financing, see this white paper by Every Texan.

As the 89th Texas Legislature prepares to convene on January 14, 2025, Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has said, “The priorities of the conservative majority will be accomplished, including school choice.”

As you prepare to vote this fall, the Chamber’s Government Affairs Task Force encourages you to carefully consider this, and other non-partisan, information.

The Crucial Role of Public Schools in Society

Public schools are fundamental in building an educated, equitable and economically prosperous society, supporting the well-being of individuals and the community as a whole.

  1. Access to Education for All: Public schools provide free, universal education, ensuring that every child, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to learning. This helps promote equal opportunity and reduce social inequality.
  2. Foundation for Democracy: A well-educated population is essential for a functioning democracy. Public schools teach students not only academic skills but also civic values, critical thinking and how to participate in society. This helps create informed citizens who can engage in civic duties such as voting and community participation.
  3. Economic Growth: Education is key to preparing the future workforce. Public schools equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the job market. A more educated population leads to higher productivity, innovation and economic development.
  4. Social Integration: Public schools bring together students from diverse backgrounds, promoting social cohesion and cultural understanding. By learning alongside peers from different walks of life, students develop social skills, empathy and a sense of community.
  5. Personal Development: Schools nurture not just academic growth but also personal growth. Students learn values like responsibility, teamwork, discipline and resilience, which are essential for their development as individuals and members of society.
  6. Support for Families and Communities: Public schools provide a critical support system for families. They offer resources beyond academics, such as nutrition programs, counseling services and extracurricular activities. Schools also often serve as community hubs, fostering partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
  7. Reducing Social Inequality: Public education can act as a leveling force by providing opportunities to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. It helps reduce gaps in achievement and provides pathways for upward mobility.

How Texas Public School Are Financed

Public schools in Texas are funded through a combination of local, state and federal sources. Here’s an overview of the primary funding mechanisms:

  1. Local Property Taxes: Local funding comes primarily from property taxes collected by school districts. The amount each district receives depends on local property values. Wealthier areas with higher property values generate more revenue through property taxes, while lower-income areas generate less.
  2. State Funding: The state provides additional funding to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources between wealthy and poorer districts. This is done through the Foundation School Program, which allocates funds based on a district’s property wealth per student, student enrollment, and other factors such as special needs or English language learners. The state also uses Recapture, or the “Robin Hood” system, to take revenue from property-rich districts and redistribute it to property-poor districts. (At $27.8 million, Recapture is the second biggest expenditure in the 2024-2025 Coppell ISD budget, behind only payroll. To learn more about Recapture, visit RecaptureTexas.org.)
  3. Federal Funding: Federal funding accounts for a smaller portion and is mainly targeted at specific programs or needs. For example, Title I provides funding to schools with a high percentage of low-income students, and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides funding for special education services.
  4. Other Sources: Some districts also raise money through local bonds, fees, and other sources, though these funds are often earmarked for specific projects like infrastructure improvements.

Together, these sources create a complex system meant to balance disparities in local wealth while ensuring all students have access to education.

For more information, please see these additional resources:

From Raise Your Hand Texas:

“Texas’ economic future will be determined by the success of our public schools. For this reason, Texas citizens and the officials they elect should support the public school system and its capacity for progress and reinvention.”

Voters have the power to decide how our public schools are financed going forward. Use your voice on November 5.