Texas is a large state with an ever-growing student population.1 With over four million students in the public school system2, the State of Texas faces the daunting task of providing an excellent education for Texas’ youth. Statistics now show that enrollment in Texas public schools will increase by at least eleven percent by the year 2013.3 Consequently, providing a quality public education system is one of the most important responsibilities state government faces.

Unfortunately, most school-age children in Texas live in low income areas, and thus, attend low wealth school districts.4 Statistics indicate that 87% of the districts in Texas are low wealth school districts, whereas 13% of the school districts are deemed high wealth.5 In Texas, 88% of the school children attend low wealth school districts.6 The student population of these low wealth districts is comprised largely of Hispanic and African American students. At the present time, approximately 92% of the African American and Hispanic school age children in Texas attend school in low wealth districts.7 Additional information on minority enrollment in the public school system can be found in Appendices A through C.

The number of racial and ethnic minorities is predicted to grow in Texas over the next fifty years. Hispanics are projected to constitute 59% of the overall state population in 2040.8 African Americans are estimated to comprise approximately 8% of the citizenry by the same year.9 This concentration of the population in low wealth districts raises concerns about the state’s future educational and economic health.

It is estimated that a person without a high school diploma will have an annual income of $20,000.10 With a high school diploma, annual income is projected to be $30,000; some college is estimated at $38,000; a bachelor’s degree over $40,000; and a professional degree over $80,000.11 By way of comparison, the United States Census Bureau established that the poverty threshold in 2003 for a family of four is an annual income of $18,660.12 Thus, the correlation between education and a person’s future well being cannot be denied.

Few in Texas, regardless of party affiliation or income level, dispute the importance of an exemplary education. A child who does not receive an education is unlikely to achieve financial success and independence as an adult. Hence, a quality education directly corresponds to the fiscal health and well being of the state. An educated resident of Texas has an increased earning capacity and is therefore less likely to rely on government funds. In addition, an educated workforce encourages businesses to locate to an area, creating more jobs. Despite these realities, providing funding to support the education system in Texas has proven to be a continuous source of debate, legislation and litigation.