The Texas Senate unveiled its opposition to the ambitious public school funding laws, with Sen. Brandon Clayton touting a proposed $8 billion investment in education as “historic.” The Senate’s bill combines multiple education proposals into a 225-page document amid negotiations with House leaders. Notable deviations from the House’s nearly $8 billion plan include the exclusion of additional funding for bilingual education and provisions for free kindergarten for children with disabilities.
During a recent hearing, concerns were raised about mandates on traditional public schools that do not extend to charter schools. Supporters of the bill recognized the significant investment in education but questioned the proposed increase of only $55 per student in basic funding. Superintendents, like John Griggs from Blooming Grove ISD, urged reclaiming key provisions from the House version to better support struggling districts.
The Senate’s plan also focuses on substantial salary increases for educators, with different tiers based on experience and district size. Meanwhile, a proposed overhaul of special education funding aims to tailor support based on individual student needs.
Efforts to align the Senate and House proposals continue as the legislative session approaches its end, with optimism from lawmakers about reaching a final agreement. Despite the challenges, the emphasis on teacher pay and special education funding marks a significant focus in the ongoing discussions around Texas public school funding.
Source link
