Elevate Education Funding to Match Texas's Economic Status

The urgency for change in Texas’s school finance system has never been more apparent. As one of the largest economies globally, Texas lags behind in per-student funding, ranking among the bottom 10 states. The state’s failure to adjust the Basic Allotment since 2019 has resulted in a significant decline in education spending. This shortfall, amounting to nearly $10 billion in constant dollars, places an immense strain on districts like Highland Park ISD. Without legislative action, local property taxes will continue to fill the gap, but without translating into additional resources for schools.

Reforming Recapture: A Path to Transparency

The current recapture system, often described as a “shell game,” obscures the flow of funds between wealthier and less affluent districts. When excess revenue from property-rich districts is collected, it disappears into a vast pool of state revenues, making it impossible to trace its allocation. HPISD advocates for placing recaptured funds into a dedicated transparency fund, ensuring these resources are exclusively used for public education projects. This reform would not only enhance accountability but also provide clearer insights into how taxpayer money is being spent.

Furthermore, reintroducing an early payment discount for recapture contributions could unlock substantial savings for districts. For HPISD, this could translate into millions of dollars that could be redirected toward staff salaries and other critical needs. Such measures would significantly alleviate financial pressures while promoting fairer distribution of educational resources.

Ensuring Consistent Accountability Across Educational Entities

As discussions around school vouchers gain traction, HPISD emphasizes the need for consistent accountability standards. Whether students attend traditional public schools or voucher-funded institutions, the criteria for performance and oversight should remain uniform. This approach ensures all entities receiving public funds adhere to the same rigorous standards, fostering a level playing field and protecting taxpayers’ interests.

The district acknowledges the political complexities surrounding this issue but remains committed to advocating for policies that uphold educational integrity. By recognizing the realities of the legislative landscape, HPISD seeks to balance innovation with accountability, ensuring that every student benefits from equitable and transparent educational opportunities.

Enhancing Voter Awareness and Protecting School Environments

Voter engagement plays a crucial role in shaping educational policy. HPISD highlights the importance of revising ballot language to ensure clarity and prevent voter confusion. Accurate information empowers citizens to make informed decisions that directly impact their communities. Additionally, the district proposes prohibiting the use of schools as polling locations during early voting. This measure aims to safeguard the learning environment, ensuring that schools remain focused on their primary mission without unnecessary disruptions.

By adopting these priorities, HPISD hopes to foster a more informed and engaged electorate. Community members are encouraged to share these initiatives with their representatives, emphasizing the urgent need for increased Basic Allotment and greater transparency in school finance. Through collective advocacy, the district believes meaningful change can be achieved, ultimately benefiting students and educators alike.