After 30 years of fighting over public school funding, Texas schools still continue to fall behind, ranking at 38th out of 50 this year for per pupil spending. Though a judge has declared the funding model in the most recent case unconstitutional years ago, changes are not yet in students' futures.
Albert Cortez, Director of Policy at the Intercultural Development Research Association, says the problem is serious. The disparity between the wealthiest and poorest districts can be as large as $1,000 per student, putting those kids at a huge disadvantage. While superintendents want to make changes, they are often left with no funds and no promising avenues for raising more.
Is Texas failing its students? How can a better public education become a reality?
Guest:
- Albert Cortez, Director of Policy at the Intercultural Development Research Association