Top three events

There are three top events that stand out while exploring the history of Texas school finance.  The three events are the Constitution of 1845, the passage of the Gilmer-Aiken Law in 1947, and the implementation of Senate Bill 1.

The Constitution of 1845

The first event that directly impacted the funding for Texas public education was the Constitution of 1845.  The new Texas Constitution provided for the establishment of free schools and called for state taxes to support education.  I feel that this constitution was extremely important because it allocated a portion of revenue to schools which lay the foundation for permanent school funding in the future.  From 1845 on, this constitution made provisions and suitable support for the maintenance of public schools.  

The Gilmer-Aiken Law of 1947

The second event that directly impacted the funding for Texas public education was the passage of the Gilmer-Aiken Law of 1947.  This new law helped to restructure the public school system.  It is because of this law that districts were consolidated, funding was equalized, teacher salaries were raised, school staffs supplemented by education specialists, an elected State Board of Education and TEA was created, and the new law guaranteed all Texas children the opportunity to attend public school for twelve school years of nine months, with a minimum of 175 days of instruction. I chose the Gilmer-Aiken law because it laid the foundation for the Texas public school system that operates today. 

Senate Bill 1 of 1995

The second event that directly impacted the funding for Texas public education was passage pf Senate Bill 1.  Senate Bill 1 made significant changes to Texas education.   The bill created a system of redistribution of wealth.  Wealthier districts were required to surrender tax money to less fortunate districts.  I feel that the importance of equalization of funds allows students in poorer districts to have the same opportunities as children in wealthy districts.