Texas' 82nd Legislature reduced state spending on public education in 2010-2011 by $5.4 billion, including $4 billion from the Foundation School Program. Although the extent of the cuts has been widely discussed, comprehensive information is lacking on how the cuts were implemented by school districts and the impact on Texas' schools and students.

From January to September 2012, CHILDREN AT RISK conducted a mixed methods study, including a survey with a random stratified sample of school districts, to provide an objective assessment of the impact of state budget cuts on Texas' schools and students.

Texas Public Education Cuts: Impact Assessment evaluated a mix of financial and academic indicators to monitor the district and campus level effects of state budget cuts. Texas' school districts have adapted to the changes in state funding in a variety of ways. Districts prioritized minimizing the impact on student learning and achievement. Small class size, a longstanding statewide education policy priority, has suffered as a result. The preliminary research findings highlight the following:

• The common denominator among school districts was the incredible variation as to how each district was affected by and responded to the cuts.

• Strong leadership prevailed at the district level. Leaders largely worked within existing service delivery frameworks rather than using the cuts as an opportunity to re-envision public education service delivery.

• On average, payroll expenses make up the bulk (80%) of school district spending. Districts achieved target fiscal reductions primarily through staff attrition. Consequently, many districts were unable to avoid a reduction in teaching staff.

• Every effort was made to avoid cuts that would directly impact student learning. However class sizes have increased at the elementary and secondary levels, directly impacting student achievement.

• Evidence based programs and interventions were affected, notably pre-k programs. Fifteen percent of pre-k programs reported cuts.

• School district management and operations are aligning with best practices from the private sector. This includes the use of cost containment strategies, increased collaboration, diversified revenue streams, low administrative overhead and achieving economies of scale where possible.

The data and findings presented in Texas Public Education Cuts: Impact Assessment reflect preliminary research and analysis of the impact of state budget cuts on school districts. CHILDREN AT RISK contacted 80 districts which represent 36% of all students in Texas. The stratified random sample of school districts was designed to be representative of the state in terms of geographic distribution, levels of student poverty and the amount a district is paid to educate a student. CHILDREN AT RISK will survey the remainder of school districts in the fall of 2012 and release statewide findings in January 2013.

CHILDREN AT RISK would like to thank the TEGAC members who have supported this study. The coalition of funders represents a diverse array of the Texas philanthropic community who has prioritized public education as part of their giving portfolio and long term strategic plans. Their vision and generous financial support have been the driving force behind this work.

Genevieve and Ward Orsinger Foundation (San Antonio, Texas)

KDK-Harman Foundation (Austin, Texas)

Kathryn and Beau Ross Foundation (Austin, Texas)

MR and Evelyn Hudson Foundation (Southlake, Texas)

San Antonio Area Foundation (San Antonio, Texas)

The Simmons Foundation (Houston, Texas)

The Trull Foundation (Palacios, Texas)

Wright Family Foundation (Austin, Texas)

For questions or feedback, please contact Sarah Goff, Research Coordinator, at (713) 869-7740 or sarahgoff@childrenatrisk.org.  

Click here to read the full report:  http://childrenatrisk.org/research/education/more-with-less/

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