Chapter 49

A Broken School Financing System

The Texas Legislature established the state’s recapture system in 1993 with intentions to redistribute money from property-rich districts to poorer areas, earning the program the nickname "Robin Hood." Since then, it has become one of the state’s largest funding sources, totaling nearly $3 billion in 2021. 

Where have property tax dollars gone for the past 30 years? To the  state's general budget, not towards education. 

How This Impacts SBISD

The 88th Texas Legislative Session is underway, with nearly 20% of SBISD’s local tax dollars being "recpatured" with little transparency about how those tax dollars are used. It's estimated that  $87 million will be taken from SBISD this year, placing SBISD on an unsustainable trajectory which will force administrators to reduce staff and cut programs. 

Last year, a diverse group of 63 parents and community members formed the School Finance Advocacy Team (SFAT). They heard from experts to learn more about school finance and the implications on SBISD. They determined top priorities for the legislative session, including: 

• A basic allotment increase
• Automatic inflation adjustment
• Cost of education adjustmente 
• Early recapture payment discount  
• Full credit for the local optional homestead exemption SBISD provides our taxpayers

How You Can Help

Make your voice heard! Attend a community meeting on Wednesday, February 8 at the
Stratford High School Cafeteria

Learn more on how recapture works.

• How to write an email/letter to a Legislator (sample letter included)
• How to call a Legislator (sample phone script included)
• Do's & Don'ts of communicating with Legislators