Texas Education Agency updates pandemic funding formula

On Oct. 1, the Texas Education Agency announced in a press release that it was extending the current minimum funding for Texas schools for six more weeks, ensuring that for most schools, means they have funding through the entire first half of the 2020-2021 academic year. 

This “hold harmless” guarantee will only be available to school districts that offer in-person instruction for any Texas family that desires it. Districts must also demonstrate a good faith effort to allow for on-campus attendance. Remote instruction will also continue to be fully funded for those who wish to stay home for classes online.  Changes in enrollment or attendance rates from COVID-19 will not affect the funding levels, with this “hold harmless” guarantee.

School systems are already fully funded this year, based on student enrollment for remote instruction or on campus. TEA will look at further funding adjustments for the second semester before January 2021.

Those schools that have on-campus instruction have often seen higher levels of enrollment than those focusing on virtual education. School districts that utilize this extension will be required to identify students who are missing from enrollment and determine their location.  Parents are also urged to ensure that their children are enrolled and attending school.   School budgets will be based on enrollment, because the Texas residents are not expected to fund school systems for those who are not being educated. This limited “hold harmless” extension provides time for the enrollment picture to become more stable, so that schools can wait to make operational and budget adjustments based upon clearer information, according to the press release. 

School districts that have a hybrid-only high school setting are allowed to do so, and Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath will retain authority to consider exceptions.

“Given the uncertain nature of this public health crisis, we are giving as much support and flexibility as possible to school districts to ensure that we are balancing the need for student learning with our desire to help all our state’s students, teachers, staff, and families remain healthy and safe,” Morath said in the press release.