June 8, 2024

The Houston Chronicle reports that Houston area school districts are facing almost $900 million in budget shortfalls for the 2024-25 school year, due to the state’s failure to increase the basic allotment to account for inflation over the past five years, as well as unfunded mandates by the state, including heightened security measures. A recent report from the Texas Association of School Business Officials shows that over half of districts surveyed across the state are projecting deficit budgets for fiscal year 2024.

Governor Abbott claims that schools are receiving more money than ever, but these numbers include federal COVID and ESSER funding that is ending or has ended. Raise Your Hand, Texas and other state groups show a $10 billion reduction in funding, or $1,300 per student, when inflation is taken into account.“It really is a perfect storm,” said Bob Popinski, executive director of Raise Your Hand Texas. “Since 2019, we’ve had double-digit inflation. So think, increased costs in fuel, property and casualty insurance and construction costs and health insurance costs, and even food services.”

School districts mentioned in the article have already started closing schools and laying off staff going into the school year.

Click here to read the full article.