Week 1 Part 2: 3 Basic issues impacting the state funding formula

Many issues impact the state funding formula. As complex as the state funding formula for school districts is, here are a few issues that impact funding. Districts receive different amounts of funding per student. Some districts receive about $8,000 per student, while others receive about $4,000. Also, with enrollments increasing across the state, and demographics projections showing Texas schools will grow by leaps and bounds, the current M&O limit of $1.50 is inadequate to sustain and prepare for school growth. Another issue is that of special populations. Special populations generally cost more to educate, whether it be a special education, low socioeconomic students, or English Language Learners. These groups have more costs per student than the general education student.