Texas School Funding

Controversial voucher-like Education Savings Accounts seem a certainty after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott helped oust fellow Republicans who opposed them last year. But educators are wary about what a new plan could look like.

A proposed K-5 curriculum for the state's public schools includes several religious references with predominantly Christian themes.

Amid music from visiting high school band members, Pershing Elementary students entered the school with greetings also from Dallas Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde, who used the first day of school to call for more state education funding.

Fort Worth ISD trustees approved over $38 million in new spending during its June 25 board meeting, targeting areas such as insurance, educational services and after-school programs.

Fort Worth ISD schools will soon receive updated reading curricula and school security upgrades.

Mike Miles, state-appointed superintendent of Houston ISD, is at the center of the investigation.

If the next Texas Legislature doesn't increase funding, Denton ISD may broach school closures.

Richardson Superintendent Tabitha Branum says the closures are the only option to avoid a $28.5 million deficit. But prior to the vote, more than two dozen frustrated parents and students urged trustees to reject the plan.

Attorney General Ken Paxton has now targeted seven school districts over alleged electioneering in what he calls an effort to stop elections from being “illegally swayed by public officials improperly using state resources.” Those school districts are responding.

Districts are considering closing schools, increasing class sizes and other cost-cutting measures as they face major budget shortfalls.

The district says a lack of state funding, high inflation and falling enrollment have left it with a looming $28.5 million deficit.