TEXAS SENATE OKs STATE FUNDING FOR CHARTER SCHOOL FACILITIES

  

The Texas Senate has approved public charter schools receiving state funding to cover facilities costs for the first time.

Senate Bill 457, by New Braunfels Republican Senator Donna Campbell, passed in a 20 to 10 vote.

Campbell’s bill initially mandated over $400 million for charter school’s buildings and facilities over the next two years.

However, Senator Kirk Watson, D-Austin, tacked on an amendment to the bill which reduced that amount to $100 million, with half of the funding going to traditional public schools.

Charter schools- which are publicly funded, but privately operated- can’t levy property taxes like traditional school districts in order to pay for construction.

In a statement Thursday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the legislation addresses a long time funding inequity between charter and other public schools.

"I promised to fight for facilities funding for public charter schools and today the Senate passed SB 457, which increases the facility funding program and will benefit all public schools, both public and charter.”

The Senate approval of the bill comes after charter schools have rallied for more facilities funding during the last few legislative sessions.