News Summary
Texas schools are currently dealing with a financial crisis following substantial cuts in funding for special education programs and rising charter school enrollment. Legislative changes have reduced funds by over $607 million annually, leaving many districts struggling to provide adequate educational services. While a new bill aims to increase public education funding primarily for teacher salaries, the overall financial pressure on schools remains. Additionally, new laws regarding classroom regulations have sparked controversy, adding to the challenges educators face in delivering quality education to students.
Austin, Texas – Texas schools are grappling with a financial crisis following legislative changes and a rise in charter school enrollment. The state has seen a significant cut of more than $607 million per year in funding for special education programs, primarily due to new limitations on reimbursements under the School Health and Related Services (SHARS) program. This has left many districts struggling to provide adequate services for over 775,000 students who rely on special education, especially among low-income families.
The recent funding cuts have compounded existing challenges for school districts. Many are now unable to hire and retain essential staff, which has led to reductions in crucial services such as occupational therapy and even basic student transportation. Furthermore, while the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2 in 2025, approving an $8.5 billion increase in public education funding aimed mostly at boosting teacher salaries, the reality on the ground remains concerning. Although teachers in rural districts could see pay increases of up to $20,000, most districts report limited relief from the new funding, leaving existing budget deficits unaddressed.
Compounding the funding issues is a marked increase in charter school enrollment in Texas, which rose from 4.6% of public school students in 2012 to 7.6% in 2023. Although charter schools can outperform traditional district schools in some instances, concerns have been raised regarding educational equity and inclusivity, especially for vulnerable student populations. In communities like South Dallas, there are reports of a growing racial and economic divide in educational resources and opportunities, particularly impacting Black students.
Additionally, the implementation of new laws in the state has stirred controversy among educators, students, and parents. A statewide ban on student cell phone use during school hours has received mixed reactions. Moreover, new regulations require the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, however, enforcement of this law is currently facing legal challenges due to a federal injunction.
The Texas AFT, which represents educators, has raised concerns about the increased administrative burdens placed on librarians as a result of new parental powers to review and challenge library books. There is also worry that legislative changes may compromise local control and oversight in public education, as seen with House Bill 6. This bill expands the use of suspensions and alternative placements, a shift that Texas AFT is monitoring closely.
As Texas schools face this complex funding landscape, they are caught between targeted financial increases and restrictive legislative measures that limit flexibility. While some new funding is designated to enhance teacher salaries, many schools remain under financial pressure, struggling to maintain the comprehensive support services that students require. The implications of these trends are far-reaching, affecting not only the schools’ operational capacities but also the educational experiences and outcomes for students across the state.
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Google Search: Texas education funding changes
- Dallas News
- Wikipedia: Education in Texas
- Houston Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Education
- KFOX TV
- Google News: Texas special education funding
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DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
