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Special education funding, enrollment-based funding and bond elections were among the topics discussed in a legislative priority session for school districts in Brazoria County.
District officials and school board members from Alvin, Brazosport, Pearland and Sweeny ISDs came together to shape priorities ahead of the 2027 Texas Legislature.
The overview
District officials and school board members are hoping to address the following in the upcoming state legislature:
Special education funding: Better align funding with the actual costs of services, including specialized staff pay and support. Officials also pointed to a need for early identification, streamlined processes, and safety and staffing needs related to students with significant behavioral needs.
Basic allotment: Officials noted how inflation has eroded the funding districts can use for general student needs. AISD's Chief Financial Officer Daniel Combs said since 2019, inflation had reduced the allotment's purchasing power by 23.4% and the allotment would need to be $8,118 per student to have the same purchasing power as in 2019. Currently, the basic allotment is $6,215 per student.
Enrollment-based funding: Officials believe the state should consider funding based on enrollment rather than average daily attendance, potentially with attendance incentives.
Bond elections and ballot language: Officials were concerned that proposed state restrictions—such as higher voter-approval thresholds or limits on election timing—could make bonds harder to pass. They also said complex tax-related ballot language may confuse voters and undermine trust.
Also of note
In the future, district officials and school board members would like to discuss:
Unfunded mandates
Transportation
Safety and security
Pre-K
Technology
Upcoming assessment changes
"We all have different priorities, but we all have one goal, and that's to serve the students in each of our districts," AISD Board President AJ Johnson said. "We just got to get organized and get on the same page."
Next steps
Brazoria County school districts plan to draft a regional priority statement by Nov. 6, with plans to meet with House and Senate offices in November and December.
The 2027 Texas Legislature kicks off on Jan. 12.
