Texas Accomplishing What They Haven’t Done Since 1995

Texas Accomplishing What They Haven’t Done Since 1995

In the heart of the American South, Texas stands as a state of paradoxes—big, bold, and full of ambition. Known for its proud history, fierce independence, and size that dwarfs most nations, Texas has always been a place where larger-than-life ambitions meet pragmatic challenges. Despite being the second-largest state in the union, both geographically and by population, there’s one ambitious goal that Texas has struggled to fully achieve since 1995: improving its public education system through significant reform and securing sufficient school funding to meet growing demands. In 2025, however, the state is finally poised to accomplish what it has been trying to do for the last three decades: providing adequate funding for public schools and enacting meaningful reforms to improve educational outcomes for its residents.

The Struggles Since 1995

In 1995, Texas took a significant step towards education reform by enacting the “Robin Hood” plan, which aimed to equalize funding for public schools across the state. The plan required wealthier districts to share a portion of their property tax revenue with poorer districts. While this initiative was well-intentioned, the results have been mixed at best. Over the years, many Texas lawmakers, educators, and families have criticized the state’s approach to school funding for not adequately addressing the needs of both urban and rural areas.

The Robin Hood plan was meant to create an equitable system for all Texas schoolchildren, but its execution left much to be desired. The law’s complex and, at times, confusing framework created tension between districts that were forced to give up funds and those that were supposed to receive financial assistance. Meanwhile, as the state’s population continued to grow—especially in urban centers like Houston, Dallas, and Austin—school districts were often left scrambling to meet increasing enrollment demands without the necessary resources.

By the early 2000s, Texas had witnessed rapid population growth, particularly among minority groups, and the pressure on schools grew. More students meant higher costs, but the funding formulas didn’t keep up with the need. The state’s reliance on property taxes, which fluctuated based on local economies, created disparities between affluent and poorer school districts. As a result, some districts struggled to hire qualified teachers, maintain school facilities, and offer students a high-quality education.

Attempts at Reform and the Funding Gap

In response to these issues, Texas attempted several reforms over the years, but none were able to fully solve the state’s education funding crisis. In 2006, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that the school finance system was unconstitutional because it violated the state’s requirement to provide an equitable education to all students. This ruling spurred legislative efforts to overhaul the system, but progress was slow.

In 2019, the state passed a historic school finance reform package. This measure included a $11.6 billion increase in education funding, with a focus on raising teacher salaries, improving student outcomes, and providing additional funding to underperforming school districts. This was hailed as a step in the right direction, but even with the increase in funding, many argued that the changes were insufficient to address the long-standing issues facing the state’s education system.

The gap between the state’s educational aspirations and the resources required to meet them remained vast. Despite these reform efforts, Texas continued to lag behind in key areas such as per-student spending, teacher retention, and the overall quality of education.

The Shift in 2025: A New Era of Education Reform

Now, in 2025, Texas is on the brink of accomplishing what it has been striving for since 1995: a robust, adequately funded, and well-equipped public education system that can meet the needs of a 21st-century population. The shift comes on the heels of a variety of reforms, both legislative and financial, that signal a fundamental change in how Texas approaches education.

One of the key reforms passed in 2025 was a historic investment in education that not only increases overall funding but also focuses on targeted investments. For the first time in decades, the state has adopted a funding formula that takes into account the specific needs of different districts, including the number of English language learners, students with disabilities, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This formula, coupled with a significant boost in state funding, has begun to close the long-standing funding gap between rich and poor school districts.

The reform package also includes provisions for modernizing school infrastructure. Many schools in Texas have struggled to keep up with the demands of a growing and increasingly diverse student body. With the new funding, school buildings are being renovated, outdated technology is being replaced, and students now have access to resources that were once considered out of reach. The state’s education department is also focusing on creating a more inclusive environment for students by expanding special education services and increasing the availability of mental health resources.

Another major change is the focus on teacher recruitment and retention. For years, Texas has faced a shortage of teachers, particularly in STEM subjects and special education. The state is now offering incentives, such as increased salaries and loan forgiveness programs, to encourage talented individuals to enter the teaching profession and stay in the classroom long-term. These efforts are aimed at addressing the high turnover rate among teachers and ensuring that students receive the best possible education.

Finally, Texas has embraced a more holistic approach to education. Rather than focusing solely on test scores, the new system emphasizes the importance of preparing students for life beyond the classroom. This includes expanding access to career and technical education programs, offering more support for students with mental health challenges, and integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum. These changes are designed to help students not only succeed academically but also develop the skills they need to navigate a complex and rapidly changing world.

What’s Next?

While the reforms of 2025 represent a significant step forward, Texas must continue to monitor and adjust its education system to ensure long-term success. There will still be challenges, including ensuring that funding is distributed equitably and addressing the ongoing effects of rapid population growth. However, for the first time in decades, Texas appears ready to accomplish what it has set out to do: provide a high-quality education for all its students, regardless of their background or where they live.

The road to reform has been long and difficult, but the progress made in 2025 offers hope that Texas will finally overcome the obstacles that have plagued its education system since 1995. By focusing on equitable funding, improving teacher quality, and modernizing its approach to education, Texas is positioning itself to be a national leader in education reform. In the years to come, it is hoped that Texas will become a model for other states, demonstrating that it’s possible to overcome historical challenges and build a brighter future for all students.