This story is part of our Annual Community Guide, which takes a look at some of the biggest stories to watch in Cy-Fair and Harris County in 2019. Stay tuned through Wednesday, Jan. 23, as we countdown to the No. 1 story to watch this year.

What we reported

A new state commission formed by the 85th Texas Legislature convened throughout 2018 to address issues, including the relationship between state and local funding, and discuss potential policy changes to fund public schools. After making cuts, Cy-Fair ISD passed a $12.6 million deficit budget for fiscal year 2018-19. Chief Financial Officer Stuart Snow cited operating revenue from the state—which has declined from 50 percent of total revenue to 37 percent in four years. He said school finance was a “diminishing priority” of state lawmakers, burdening local taxpayers who have had to make up the difference.

The latest

The 13-member commission approved its final report Dec. 19, featuring dozens of recommendations to increase public education funding—including giving schools with higher low-income populations more money, giving districts more money for developing performance-based teacher pay systems and capping local tax rates to relieve the burden on taxpayers. The 86th Legislature convened Jan. 8 and will be considering legislation based on these recommendations.