April 13, 2015 3:58 PM

Grusendorf: School Finance 901

Former House Public Education Chairman Kent Grusendorf argues there are too many questions looming for the House to make a run at fixing school finance at this time

Chairman Jimmie Don Aycock is to be commended for taking on the Herculean challenge of trying to fix the arcane allocation formulas which drive funds to Texas school districts. This formula system is very complex, confusing, outdated, and exceedingly difficult to understand, change, or improve. Transparency is sorely needed. However, as one who has been there before, I urge caution moving forward.

Several questions should be answered before proceeding on HB 1759: Is it wise to allocate another $3 billion without first knowing what the Texas Supreme Court is going to do with the current school finance lawsuit? Could those same funds potentially be used more effectively after a final decision is rendered by the court? How would passage of this bill impact current and potential future litigation?

The complete column from Kent Grusendorf can be found in the R&D Department.

By Kent Grusendorf