public school funding

The legal fight over the 'Robin Hood' policy, which aims to redistribute school funding, is reigniting the debate on public school funding in Texas. The article includes a photo of school buses at the Austin Independent School District bus center in Sunset Valley.

Four Democrats with similar priorities but differing political backgrounds are competing in Tennessee’s House District 59 to replace Rep. Caleb Hemmer. Candidates include Rick Ewing, Angie Lawless, Mark Proctor, and Beth West, with Ewing emphasizing his philanthropy and community work as key qualifications. The Republican primary features only Bill Hancock as an unopposed candidate.

Missouri parent groups, including Parents for Missouri Public Schools, are organizing against Amendment 5, a proposed constitutional amendment that would replace income tax with higher sales taxes. Advocates argue the amendment could harm public school funding, particularly in rural districts already facing shortfalls due to reliance on lottery and gaming taxes.

The article argues that Ohio teachers should engage in public policy to protect public schools, citing legislative threats like Ohio Senate Bill 113, which bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in K-12 schools, and Ohio House Bill 33, which expanded voucher programs reducing public school funding. Similar legislation is being considered in Iowa, South Carolina, and Oklahoma.

The Florida Legislature approved a property tax cut proposal during a special session, which will appear on the November ballot requiring 60% voter approval. The plan increases homestead exemptions to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, excludes school district levies, and lowers annual assessment caps for non-homestead properties. Lawmakers added protections for public school funding and removed a trust fund for rural areas, while Democrats criticized the measure as a threat to local governments.