Texas Public Education

Texas has more than 1,200 public school districts. They receive a mix of federal, state and local funding. Texas spending on public education is growing rapidly, rising by 60 percent during the last decade.

Funding

Texas public school districts derive most of their local funding from property taxes. The school district property tax includes two elements, a maintenance and operations (M&O) tax used to fund daily operations and an interest and sinking (I&S) tax used to pay debt service on any bonds issued for facilities construction.

Budget and Spending

The Comptroller recognizes public education entities demonstrating exemplary local transparency achievements through its Transparency Stars program. Visit our Transparency Star page to learn more about the program.

Even so, deciphering financial reports can be a challenge. That’s why we developed our Guide to Understanding Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFRs).

Debt

Most of Texas’ 1,024 public school districts and almost all of its 50 community and junior college districts issue local property tax-supported debt for a variety of purposes including facility construction and renovation, vehicle and technology purchases.