Texas Education Agency figures say federal, state and local spending on public education amounted to $15,905 per student in 2023. Some have used this figure (and similar figures) to suggest that Texas is overfunding public education.
One could reasonably conclude that $15,905 is a robust number and that schools are well-funded. However, the reality on the ground shows something quite different. School districts are closing campuses, reducing their teaching staffs, and eliminating instructional programs — all due to a shortage of state funding.
TSA has prepared this handout to help you explain to legislators, community members, and other stakeholders the true nature of per-student funding in Texas — and why schools are not receiving as much funding as you may have heard. Please download it and share with anyone who needs information about the true state of public education funding in Texas.
