The Texas Legislature has passed House Bill 2, providing an $8.5 billion increase in funding for public schools — the largest boost in years.
Key Priorities Funded
HB 2 focuses on salaries for teachers and staff, special education, early childhood education, school safety, and operational costs. Lawmakers finalized the package after weeks of negotiations between the House and Senate.
Raises and Supports for Educators
The bill includes raises of up to $8,000 for teachers, with adjustments based on experience and district size. Schools will also get funding to expand the Teacher Incentive Allotment program, rewarding teachers who show student progress.
Additional Funding, But Not Enough?
Districts will receive $55 per student in basic funding — far below the $395 originally proposed — leaving many school officials concerned about keeping up with inflation.
Addressing Long-Standing Challenges
Beyond raises, HB 2 sets aside funds to help districts cover transportation, utilities, insurance, and other operational costs, plus supports for counselors, librarians, and nurses.
New Programs and Special Education
The legislation also overhauls Texas’ special education funding, launches new mentorship and educator preparation programs, and boosts pre-K and learning disability identification efforts.
Historic Context
This funding package follows years of stagnant support since 2019. Lawmakers delayed significant increases amid debates over vouchers. HB 2 comes after a heated legislative session where vouchers were approved alongside new funding.
Next Steps
Gov. Greg Abbott has pledged to sign the bill into law. Once signed, school districts can begin planning for long-overdue raises and resources to meet their growing needs.
Keep up with the Texas Legislature along with us on Que Onda Magazine.