TAMS Legislative Update

May 15, 2003

The Texas Association of Mid-size Schools (TAMS) has been very successful in keeping our TAMS mid-size district adjustment intact during this legislative session.  That’s because we’ve been working fast and furious since the last legislative session.  With less than three weeks left in this regular session, we want to update you on where things are as of today.

House Bill 5, still alive in the House, has been amended from its original intent to sunset the current Texas school finance system and thus eliminate the TAMS mid-size adjustment, small district adjustment, CEI, facilities allotments and student weights.  All of these are critical to the best interest of our students and taxpayers.  HB 5, however, still has a negative impact on Chapter 42 TAMS districts in that the new money, $300 ($150 in each year of the biennium), is distributed per ADA rather than per WADA as are our current formulas.  This method hurts students in small and mid-size districts more than any other districts. 

To counteract this loss, TAMS, the Texas Association of Rural Schools (TARS), and the Equity Center effectively led a campaign to influence the House leadership to add $20 million to soften the “hit” we take from using ADA and to allow us input regarding the distribution of the funds. 

This is an improvement but certainly not as good as our current law.  TAMS members owe a debt of gratitude to Bill Grusendorf, Executive Director of TARS, for his leadership in successfully bringing about this change and including mid-size districts in the $20 million.  Wayne Pierce, Executive Director of the Equity Center, provided invaluable technical assistance and strategic advice.

Unlike HB 250 by Representative Jones and SB 352 by Senator Wentworth, HB 5 does not contain the inclusion of Chapter 41 districts in the TAMS formula.  HB 250 has never been allowed to come to a hearing before the House Education Committee.  Evidently, there is not sufficient support in the House to have a hearing to discuss the correction of this unfair treatment of our Chapter 41 members.

The Senate Public Education Committee did conduct a hearing on SB 352 and allowed ample time for testimony, all of which was in support of including Chapter 41 districts.  The committee did not take a vote because of the fiscal note attached to the bill.  Senator Wentworth solicited all senators of Chapter 41 districts to sign a letter of support, and this was given to the Senate Education Committee members.  All but two of the senators involved signed.

Senate Bill 2, the Lt. Governor’s school finance proposal, shows potential as a replacement for Robin Hood.  SB 2 does not eliminate the TAMS adjustments or the other formulas.  However, the current school finance system would be subject to close scrutiny during the next two years. 

Things are still too uncertain to ask you to contact your legislators to support and/or oppose particular pieces of legislation.  However, as soon as there is something more definitive, we will let you know.  Please watch for further emails and for daily legislative news, go to http://www.midsizeschools.org/legislativeinfo.html.  Thank you.