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Committee hears that state funding formula leaves Lubbock ISD with less per-student revenue
Summary
A budget presentation showed Lubbock ISD receives less funding per student than some neighboring districts due to state funding formula differences; trustees discussed limits on local tax capacity and the need for community education and legislative advocacy to address inequities.
A presenter walked trustees through an "apples-to-apples" comparison explaining why Lubbock ISD receives less funding per student than some neighboring districts. Staff said smaller districts often receive additional allotments under the state's funding formula and that if Lubbock ISD received similar funding per student the district would have "millions more" in annual revenue.
Trustees noted that Lubbock ISD sets one of the lowest tax rates in the area and is nearing the state's maximum compressed M&O tax rate, limiting the ability to raise local operating revenue for salaries, benefits, transportation, and capital projects. Committee members discussed recapture risk as property values rise and emphasized the importance of educating the public and lawmakers about how state funding rules affect large districts.
