Overview

• The Texas Legislature has reached a near-final agreement on an $8.5 billion public school funding package, blending priorities from both chambers.
• The deal includes a $55 per-student base funding increase and $1.2 billion for fixed costs like utilities and transportation.
• It allocates $4.2 billion for teacher raises, $500 million for other school staff, and $100 million for windstorm insurance in coastal districts.
• The Senate’s tiered pay system prioritizes experienced teachers while excluding first- and second-year instructors and some support staff.
• School leaders have criticized the package as overdue, citing six years of stagnant funding amidst rising inflation and operational costs.