Escobedo: RGV area school districts face growing financial strain

As the 89th legislative session progresses, school districts across the Valley are navigating uncertainty regarding state funding for public education.

Brownsville ISD recently closed three schools and is struggling with a $16 million deficit budget. La Joya ISD adopted a deficit budget of $4.2 million for the 2024-25 school year and is projecting a $10 million deficit for next year.

School leaders warn that without additional funding, districts may be forced to make additional closures and cuts that could compromise the quality of education in Texas classrooms.

Los Fresnos CISD and Lyford ISD teachers recently joined more than 25 of their colleagues from across the state at the Capitol to visit with lawmakers. Each of them discussed the state’s funding challenges and shared why Texas teachers need a permanent pay raise and the importance of raising the basic allotment.

Funding challenges

The state’s basic allotment—the foundation of per-student funding—has remained at $6,160 since 2019, covering only a portion of school operating costs. According to Texas Education Agency data, through the Foundation School Program—the state’s primary funding system that allocates money primarily based on average daily attendance, local property values, and student needs—additional allotments bring the average per-student funding for operations to approximately $10,800.

However, according to Raise Your Hand Texas, the Lone Star State still ranks 46th for per-student funding, falling $4,400 below the national average.

“When you look at what school districts are down, it’s about $9.8 billion annually. In a state with a two-year budget, $20 billion is needed to keep up with inflation since 2019,” said Bob Popinski, senior director of policy for Raise Your Hand Texas. “There would need to be a $1,300 to $1,400 increase to the basic allotment to help meet the $9.8 billion shortfall per year.”

Unfortunately, Texas school districts also grapple with mounting inflationary pressures. Rising fuel prices have significantly increased transportation expenses, while higher utility costs strain aging facilities. At the same time, schools lack sufficient state funding to implement mandated safety programs.

Investing in Texas public education and our students will improve student academic outcomes. According to the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress), a national test that students across the country take, the top 10 states in per-student funding tend to outperform Texas, specifically in 4th and 8th-grade reading.

Teachers Drive Success

Texas students deserve positive, meaningful experiences that prepare them for the future and support their success. Teachers drive that success, so training, retention, and better compensation for Texas teachers are also essential. The quality of our education system and the long-term viability of our economy are inextricably linked to the effectiveness and diversity of our teachers. Quality teachers impact students well beyond their academic growth. Teachers are strongly linked to significant increases in high school graduation rates, college completion, and salary earnings.

Ludimar Salinas, a pre-K teacher from Lyford ISD who visited Valley lawmakers at the Capitol this spring, said, “We need as many teachers as possible to advocate. The advocacy process allowed me to meet people who are working for the people. It was great to listen to what they had to say, and I felt they listened to us – and they are very aware of teachers’ needs.”

A number of bills under consideration by lawmakers would increase the basic allotment and provide increases in teacher pay. While the House and Senate are not yet in agreement on state investment in public education, advocates can raise their voices at the Capitol and back home with lawmakers to encourage support for school finance and teachers.

Valley residents who want to learn more about funding public schools, supporting teachers, and other public education issues should sign up for Raise Your Hand Texas’ newsletter and texts.

Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by Giovanni Escobedo, senior regional advocacy director for Raise Your Hand Texas. The column appears in the Rio Grande Guardian with the permission of the author. Escobedo can be reached by email via: GEscobedo@ryht.org.

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