At East Central ISD, our students remain our top priority. However, we recognize that financial stewardship plays a crucial role in maximizing taxpayer dollars and ensuring the opportunities and resources needed to support student learning and success.

At ECISD, we have the perks of a big district with the friendly feel of a small-town community. Our new buildings and great programs bring in awesome families and teachers, but they do cost money.

In Texas, schools often don't get enough money.

Texas Schools Struggle With Budgets as Costs Go Up

Schools across Texas are feeling the strain as costs rise and state funding stays the same. Even with a $32.7 billion surplus, the 88th Texas Legislature didn’t increase the basic student allotment or provide money to raise teacher salaries. Instead, schools are dealing with more unfunded rules and unmet promises.

Here’s where Texas stands:

• Texas ranks 40th out of 50 states for school funding.
• Texas teachers earn about $8,000 less than the national average.
• The $6,160 basic student allotment hasn’t changed since 2019. That’s five years of rising costs and inflation, but no extra help.

Thankfully, East Central ISD has a history of strong fiscal responsibility.

Smart spending, paying off bonds early, and keeping balanced budgets have helped our district handle tough economic times. But, like many families, we’ve felt the pinch of rising costs for things like utilities, fuel, labor, and services.  

The reality is, running a school bus costs more now than it did five years ago. Serving a hot lunch costs more than it did five years ago. Even turning on the lights or water costs more than it did five years ago. 

And that’s just the beginning…

Finding qualified teachers has become much harder since the COVID pandemic, and many of the state’s most experienced educators and leaders are leaving the profession at high rates. East Central ISD is finding it more challenging to hire, keep, and reward its hardworking teachers and support staff.  

Money Matters focuses on being open and honest about school funding. By sharing simple facts and figures with East Central ISD taxpayers, we hope to build a better understanding of the challenges facing public schools in Texas, especially in our district. Our main goals are to Educate and Engage.