Texas isn’t funding education. It’s up to Dallas

DISD has the 3rd lowest tax rate in our 4 counties, but the most poor kids

Texas is 43rd in education funding per student. They cut $5 billion from the budget in 2011 that they haven’t brought back, so districts have been forced to take it upon themselves to fund their operations. They do this through TREs, and Dallas is up for one tomorrow. Over 400 districts in Texas have taken this initiative and passed them.

Will Dallas?

As I have stated in earlier posts, DISD gets a lot of crap, but they are doing very innovative, excellent work right now. At first glance you may believe other districts are better, but a closer look at the data suggests otherwise. A DISD elementary school in Pleasant Grove (where 90% of kids are in poverty) beat Highland Park (0% kids in poverty) on the 5th grade math test. That is absolutely unreal, and it’s in large part thanks to these programs.

This is momentum:

To continue this momentum, and to fund the very programs (early childhood, early college high schools, school choice and the most innovative teacher pay system in the country that keeps our best teachers) that have the district racing ahead of their past performance, this TRE has to pass.

Tax rates of surrounding districts:

Below and above are the tax rates for school districts in the area (total tax rate is on the far right). DISD is third from last. Despite the fact that if you look at the 3rd column, DISD is made up of the most poor students in the area.

Home values of surrounding districts:

Northern districts have more total home value AND higher tax rates so the total they’re paying in tax is much higher.

Combine this with the fact that the total of all home values in DISD is largely made up by large homes in North Dallas that go to private school. The kids who really need funding aren’t getting it.

home values (left), private school enrollment (right)

Votes on the last 4 propositions

The Dallas Morning News, D Magazine and Dallas Observer have all come out in support.

We recommend voters approve DISD’S tax ratification election

The best way to support Dallas schools is to vote yes on TREs

A Dallas ISD Distinguished Teacher on Supporting Prop C, the Tax Ratification Election - D Magazine

My Vow: However They Plead, I Will Not Join the Dallas Country Club. Unless.

More Information

You can find out more information and FAQs here. This is HUGE for Dallas!