Myth Busters

1. Myth Busters Myth – Funding for public education in Texas has seen phenomenal growth during the past decade. Reality – Although the State has provided nominal increases for foundation funding over the past decade, the increases have been more than offset by inflation, enrollment growth, and mandated property tax relief.

2. State Funding Changes 2003 to Present Biennium • 2003-05 : $110 per WADA • 2005-07: $2,500 teacher pay raise Implemented target revenue system Mandated 33.33% property tax rate reduction • 2007-09: $23.63 per WADA pay raises • 2009-11: $120 per WADA (Funded with Federal Stimulus Funds) required 50% be spent on pay raises • 2011-13 : Reduced foundation funding by $4 billion statewide and cut special grants and programs by $1.4 billion

3. Total PreK-12 Funding in Texas(Local, State, and Federal) Sources: Legislative Budget Board (LBB) , Texas Education Agency * 2011-12 revenue and inflation projected by LBB

4. Total PreK-12 Funding in Texas2003 vs. 2012

5. State Share of PreK-12 Funding in Texas Sources: Legislative Budget Board (LBB), Texas Education Agency * 2011-12 revenue and inflation projected by LBB

6. State Share of PreK-12 Funding in Texas2003 vs. 2012

7. Myth Busters Myth – Funding for public education in Texas has seen phenomenal growth during the past decade. Reality – More Dollars ≠ More Funding All funding increases, for the past decade, have been offset by inflation, enrollment growth, and changes in the tax structure.