Brazoria school districts seek $8,118 per-pupil funding to counter 23.4% inflation loss
Local officials aim to shift state funding from attendance metrics to enrollment and simplify bond ballot language before the 2027 legislative session.
By Grace Almasi ·
Brazoria County school officials identified a $1,903 gap in the basic allotment, arguing that inflation has eroded the purchasing power of per-student funding by 23.4% since 2019. District leaders from Alvin, Brazosport, Pearland, and Sweeny ISDs met to establish a unified strategy for the 2027 Texas Legislature, which convenes on January 12.
The group prioritized aligning special education funding with the actual cost of services. They cited high salaries for specialized staff and the specific needs of students with significant behavioral issues as drivers of rising expenses. Officials requested streamlined processes for early identification and safety staffing to address these gaps effectively.
Statewide funding mechanisms remain a central point of contention. Alvin ISD Chief Financial Officer Daniel Combs stated that the current basic allotment of $6,215 per student is insufficient. He calculated that the allotment must rise to $8,118 to maintain the same value it held in 2019.
Leaders also proposed a structural shift in how districts receive revenue. They advocated for funding based on total enrollment rather than average daily attendance. This change would potentially include incentives for attendance, decoupling general operating funds from daily headcounts.
Concerns regarding local debt also shaped the agenda. Officials warned that proposed state restrictions, such as higher voter-approval thresholds or limits on election timing, could make it harder to pass bond measures. They argued that complex tax-related ballot language often confuses voters and erodes trust in the process.
AJ Johnson, Board President of Alvin ISD, emphasized the need for regional coordination. "We all have different priorities, but we all have one goal, and that's to serve the students in each of our districts," Johnson said. "We just got to get organized and get on the same page."
The districts plan to draft a regional priority statement by November 6. They will use this document to guide meetings with House and Senate offices in November and December ahead of the January session.
