Chris co-authored the measure that will provide a much-needed increase in public school funding and increase the equity among school districts, while providing public school teachers a pay raise of at least $800 per year.  Chris believes this was a good first step, but that much more needs to be done to strengthen our public schools.

Chris also voted for an overhaul in our school accountability system which will reduce the emphasis on standardized testing and “teaching to the test.” The measure also increases focus on college preparedness while ensuring that students seeking a future in specific career and technical fields have the tools they need to succeed.

School Districts in House District 96 will Benefit from Measure

AUSTIN – Today, State Rep. Chris Turner voted for HB 3646, which will direct an additional $1.9 billion to Texas public schools over the next two years. The finance plan will increase funding for every school district in the state and increase teacher pay by at least $800 annually.

“It is critical that we provide our children, teachers and school districts with the resources they need to succeed,” said Turner, a co-author of the bill. “While not perfect, this bill is a good start at reversing the ill-advised finance plan the Legislature passed three years ago.  It is my hope that we will be able to find additional ways in the near future to further improve school funding, reduce pressure on local property taxpayers and make the system work even better for our schoolchildren.”

House Bill 3646, authored by Rep. Scott Hochberg of Houston, also improves equity among school districts and reduces the “recapture” payments and completely eliminates “recapture” for 30 districts in the state.

“I have heard from parents, teachers, administrators and school board members from across District 96 who are struggling to make ends meet under the current school finance plan, which froze tax rates at 2006 levels,” continued Turner. “As a result, school districts are having to make difficult decisions about their future, such as delaying school openings, cutting classes or reducing the number of teachers on the payroll. It is my hope that the additional funding provided for in House Bill 3646 will give school districts some much-needed relief.”

Texas House District 96 includes: Arlington ISD, Burleson ISD, Crowley ISD, Kennedale ISD and Mansfield ISD. The school districts will benefit as follows: