Local Brazoria County Schools Say State Funding Hasn't Kept Up W

Local Brazoria County Schools Say State Funding Hasn't Kept Up With Rising CostsLeaders from four Brazoria County school districts are joining forces before Texas lawmakers meet again in January. Officials and school board members from Alvin, Brazosport, Pearland and Sweeny ISDs met to decide what they want the state to focus on during the 2027 legislative session. Their biggest concerns include money for special education, how the state calculates school funding, and new rules that could affect school bond elections.Money was the main topic. District leaders said the state does not give them enough to cover the real cost of special education, including paying trained staff and supporting students with serious behavioral needs. They also pointed to the basic allotment, which is the main amount of money the state gives schools for each student. Right now, that amount is $6,215 per student. Alvin ISD's chief financial officer, Daniel Combs, said inflation has cut its buying power by 23.4% since 2019, and it would need to be about $8,118 to be worth what it was back then. The group also wants the state to fund schools based on how many students are enrolled, instead of how many show up each day. In addition, they worry that proposed limits on bond elections, along with confusing tax wording on ballots, could make it harder for voters to approve new school projects.The districts plan to write a shared list of priorities by Nov. 6 and meet with state House and Senate offices in November and December. Later on, they hope to talk about other issues, such as unfunded mandates, transportation, school safety, pre-K, technology and upcoming changes to state tests. Alvin ISD Board President AJ Johnson said each district has its own needs, but they all share the goal of serving students. As he put it, "We just got to get organized and get on the same page." The 2027 Texas Legislature begins Jan. 12.