Texas+School+Finance

Randall, I have added mine and Roberts events so that we can begin looking at the groups beliefs. Hopefully we can add Marilyn's and then discuss these and come up with a consensus. I will add yours to my wiki.

3 Important Happenings In History of Texas School Finance-5342

I believe these are the three most important events in the historical background of financing education in Texas. I know haven' reached a consensus yet on the three most important events in the history of Texas education, but I wanted to put some input in, so we can go ahead and get started. First, I believe that the establishment of the Texas constitution was first most important event in Texas education. The importance of the 1845 constitution which, provided for the establishment of free schools and called for state taxes to support education. I also believe the 1876 Constitution established by name the Permanent and Available School Funds is as well equally important. These decisions lead to the facts that the founding fathers of Texas placed an emphasis on education and state support of the education system. The second historical event that I think is important has to do with the court decisions centering on the Edgewood case. The interpretation of the court decisions from Edgewood, Rodriguez and West Orange Cove has greatly impacted how Texas funds education with respect to equity, adequate and equality. I believe that the third most that third most important event would be the passing of the Gilmer Aiken Laws. This law established an organized approach to the state supplementing local taxes in an attempt to adequately fund public education and I believe it surpasses the HB 1 because it created the opportunity for HB 1 to even exist. With the implementation of the Gilmer Aiken Law, it seems it became the catalyst for changes in school funding to be battled in the courtroom instead of the legislature. I believe this is where we are today in education.


 * Three Important Happenings in Texas School Finance - EDLD 5342 **

1. When Texas joined the United States in 1845, the new constitution established a free public school system and mandated that they be financed by state taxes. This is important for the sole fact that it shows the importance of education in the history of Texas. This would allow for all children in Texas to have the opportunity for a free education.

2. Texas schools are always trying to find ways to better finance public education. When Mirabeau Lamar established the public land grants in 1840 to help fund education, it provided much needed land and income for not only public schools but also for two public universities to be built. The law provided for four leagues, or approximately 17,000 acres, of land to be surveyed and set aside in each county to help support the public schools. ( [] )

3.The Gilmer-Aikin laws in 1949 did a lot for public education. First it provided for the creation of the Foundation School Program which allowed for state funds to be apportioned to school districts throughout the state. The laws also allowed for the creation of a State Board of Education in Texas. This Board of Education appointed a Commissioner of Education, and completely reorganized the state’s public school system through the Texas Education Agency.


 * Jeff, Randall **


 * I felt that one of the first major impacts actually occurred prior to the organization of the state of Texas. I believe it is of significance because it effected the same population of people, regardless ot temporary nationality. It occurred when Mexico officially (if in writing only) recognized a need for education in the territory and initially set forth measures to create a school system. Prior to the recognition of this need, the area sat stangnant and largely uneducated. Due to the fact that the mandate was never acted upon, Texans were able to use the measure as ammunition in their efforts to legitimize secession. **


 * Second, as you stated above, was when Lamar established the school land grant which allowed land for schools to not only built on, but also to sell, lease, or use for whatever means necessary in order to raise revenue for operations. **


 * Lastly, I believe that another landmark event occurred when the Texas Constitution called for free schools and a source of revenue to run them. It was only then that our system was legitimized and initial framework was set to move forward with educating all children. **


 * Give me your thoughts. **


 * Rob Murray **