Golden Pennies One of the biggest education stories in Texas in 2023 was the governor's push to create a school-voucher-like program. And all signs point to that story continuing to be a major political driver in 2024.At the heart of that debate is a decision about how Texas should fund education. But it's hard to have a true debate on the topic because the state's current school funding formula is so complicated and convoluted that very few people truly understand it.TPR Education Reporter Camille Phillips spent a year analyzing nearly two decades of school finance data, researching laws and policies, and visiting schools so that Texans could have the information they need to have that debate. She discovered that the Texas school finance system continues to favor some districts over others — and it might not be the districts you expect.
Golden Pennies

Golden Pennies

From Texas Public Radio

One of the biggest education stories in Texas in 2023 was the governor's push to create a school-voucher-like program. And all signs point to that story continuing to be a major political driver in 2024.At the heart of that debate is a decision about how Texas should fund education. But it's hard to have a true debate on the topic because the state's current school funding formula is so complicated and convoluted that very few people truly understand it.TPR Education Reporter Camille Phillips spent a year analyzing nearly two decades of school finance data, researching laws and policies, and visiting schools so that Texans could have the information they need to have that debate. She discovered that the Texas school finance system continues to favor some districts over others — and it might not be the districts you expect.

Most Recent Episodes

E1: A 50-year-old court case still shapes Texas school funding today

San Antonio families have been fighting for school funding equity for 50 years. But wide disparities in funding still exist.

E2: Why Texas school funding still isn't fair

According to a TPR analysis of state data, even with recapture,today's school funding system still isn't fair. And, because the funding system is also really complicated, the ways it's unfair aren't very well understood.

E3: Urban school districts in Texas struggle to make ends meet despite record property wealth

Pretty much everything costs more than it did in 2019. But in Texas, the state's public schools are still getting the same amount they were four years ago.

E3: Urban school districts in Texas struggle to make ends meet despite record property wealth

E4: 'We didn't make the rules:' Texas school finance law gives some districts a big advantage

An obscure element of the Texas school finance system called Golden Pennies leaves a handful of districts with far more money than they need.

E4: 'We didn't make the rules:' Texas school finance law gives some districts a big advantage