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"Robin Hood–the system to fund public schools in Texas–is broken. We have to increase the states share of public education funding so that all school districts can keep more of their tax dollars locally."
Rep. Patrick M. Rose
Results for Blanco, Caldwell & Hays counties’ public schools
During the 81st Regular Session, Rep. Rose and his team focused on extending the mid-size adjustment to Chapter 41 schools like Wimberley and Dripping Springs, and on helping all of our schools keep more of their property tax dollars locally. He also was a leader on shaping legislation that will ensure that more Texas students graduate college and career-ready by expanding the availability of academically rigorous and relevant career and technical education courses. Rep. Rose was successful in each of these efforts and will continue to work with all nine of our school districts as the Texas Education Agency disburses the additional funding and implements these exciting reforms.
Patrick Rose: A quality education for every Texas child
Rep. Patrick Rose believes that ensuring the quality and financial stability of our public schools is critical for the future of our region and our State. He believes that Robin Hood is broken and he is leading an effort with homeowners, parents, teachers and school leaders in Blanco, Caldwell and Hays counties to fix it.
Rep. Rose worked with his colleagues on the House Select Committee on Higher and Public Education Finance on a legislative package for the 81st Regular Session of the Texas Legislature to:
- Strengthening accountability measures.
- Increase the state’s share of funding for public schools so that all school districts can keep more of their tax dollars locally.
- Extend the mid-size adjustment to Chapter 41 districts such as Wimberley and Dripping Springs.
- Increase the state’s transportation allotment so that school districts don’t have to choose between paying for gasoline and investing in the classroom.
- Provide funding to help school districts address inflationary increases in the costs of fixed expenses like food, fuel and salaries.
- Prohibit unfunded mandates to school districts.
Leading the Fight for the Mid-Size Adjustment
On May 15, 2008, Rep. Rose announced legislative support from the Texas Association of Mid-Size Schools, Texans for School Finance Reform, the Equity Center, the Texas School Coalition, the Texas Association of Rural Schools, the Texas Association of Community Schools, the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of School Boards.
Read more about the press conference in Austin here>>
Rep. Rose testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education to make the case for new state dollars for our public schools. Rep. Rose and the coalition fighting for the mid-size adjustment are requesting $106 million to extend the mid-size adjustment to the 48 Chapter 41 school districts across Texas, for the 2010-11 biennium. For Wimberley and Dripping Springs ISDs, that would result in a $1, 105,879 and $1,091,075 difference in revenue respectively for 2010.
