Texas Legislature Takes Bold Steps in Education Funding & Accountability

House Priorities: More Funding, Better Accountability

The Texas House introduced a slate of education-focused bills aimed at addressing funding gaps, teacher pay, and school accountability. Two standout pieces of legislation include:

House Bill 2 (HB 2): The $8 Billion Boost to Texas Schools

HB 2 is an omnibus school finance bill that proposes a significant increase in funding for Texas public schools—nearly $8 billion. Key highlights include:

? More Money for Schools – The basic allotment per student would increase by $220, with 40% of that going directly to teacher pay raises.
? Bigger Salaries for Teachers – Expanding the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), the bill aims to create more opportunities for educators to earn six-figure salaries.
? Increased Teacher Designations – Budget writers expect a massive jump in the number of teachers classified as master (+293%), exemplary (+304%), and recognized (+243%) by 2027, with increased compensation for each.
? Better Special Education Funding – Incorporates recommendations from the Texas Special Education Funding Commission, overhauling the way funds are distributed to students with disabilities.
? Expanded Pre-K Access – Free Pre-K for children with disabilities and full-day Pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds at participating schools.

This bill prioritizes teacher pay, student success, and equitable funding, signaling a significant investment in the future of Texas education.

House Bill 4 (HB 4): The End of STAAR?

One of the most controversial aspects of Texas education policy has long been the STAAR test. HB 4 proposes eliminating it in favor of a series of tests administered throughout the year, offering real-time insights into student progress.

? What changes?

• Replaces the traditional STAAR exam with periodic assessments
• Gives teachers and parents timely data on student achievement
• Aims to reduce test anxiety and shift focus from “teaching to the test”

If passed, this could represent one of the most significant shifts in Texas education policy in recent years.

Senate Priorities: Big Raises for Teachers

While the House is focused on funding and accountability, the Texas Senate Education K-16 Committee is prioritizing teacher salaries. On Thursday, the committee unanimously supported Senate Bill 26 (SB 26), introduced by Sen. Brandon Creighton, which aims to substantially increase teacher pay.

? Key components of SB 26:
? Salary Increases for Teachers – The bill sets aside over $4 billion to boost teacher salaries, particularly for new educators.
? Merit-Based Pay Expansion – Additional incentives for teachers whose students excel in the classroom.
? Free Pre-K for Teachers' Children – A unique benefit designed to help educators manage work and family life.

With teacher retention and recruitment being an ongoing challenge in Texas, this bill could provide the financial security and professional incentives necessary to attract and keep top educators in the state.

The Big Question: Where’s the Money?

As these bills move through the House and Senate, the key question remains: How will Texas pay for these ambitious education reforms?

The Greater Houston Partnership is tracking the numbers through an expanded budget explorer tool, which breaks down Texas Education Agency (TEA) funding and other critical state budget items.

https://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/e37e6e43-3136-44ba-b2cb-b8d9a73a3f1d/page/p_4wiy33mnod?j=76553&sfmc_sub=29919986&l=748_HTML&u=1970689&mid=534005240&jb=1010

With House and Senate committees set to debate and refine these proposals, expect adjustments in funding allocations over the coming weeks.

What’s Next?

Texas lawmakers have made it clear: Education is a top priority this session. But will these proposals pass without significant changes?

? What do you think?

• Should the state move forward with HB 2’s funding model?
• Will replacing STAAR with periodic assessments improve student outcomes?
• Are the Senate’s teacher pay increases enough to keep educators in Texas?

 Let’s discuss. ?

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