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Bill

HB 1157

Relating to the use of average enrollment for purposes of the public school finance system.

89th Legislature (2025)

Texas bill shifts school funding calculations from snapshot enrollment counts to average enrollment figures, altering how state money is distributed to public school districts statewide.

Referred to Public Education
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Bill Summary · HB 1157

Legislative bill overview

HB 1157 proposes modifying how Texas calculates school funding by using average enrollment figures rather than the current method, which typically relies on snapshot enrollment counts taken on specific dates. This change would affect the foundation school program funding formula that distributes state money to public school districts across Texas.

Why is this important

School funding in Texas is tied directly to enrollment numbers, so how the state counts students significantly impacts district budgets and resources. Districts with fluctuating enrollment or those experiencing demographic changes could see substantial shifts in annual funding under an average-based system, affecting their ability to hire teachers, purchase materials, and maintain facilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Fairness across district types: Rural districts with seasonal population changes and urban districts with stable enrollment may experience different impacts, raising equity concerns about whether the formula treats all communities fairly
  • Funding predictability: Switching to average enrollment could create volatility in year-to-year funding allocations, making it harder for districts to plan multi-year budgets and staffing decisions
  • Data collection burden: Implementing average enrollment tracking may require additional administrative procedures and systems, potentially increasing compliance costs for already-stretched school districts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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