Finance History of Public Education

History of Texas School Finance

The history of school finance has been very interesting to study.  The establishment of schools dates back to the Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States.  Mirabeau B. Lamar who is “The Father of Texas Education” helped established land grants for two future universities. The schools are the University of Texas and Texas A&M University. County land grants were sold to fund school districts within the county.  The Constitution of 1845 called for state taxes in which one-tenth of the revenue was set aside for education. The precursor to the Permanent School Fund established by the constitution.  The Texas Constitution of 1876 was another piece of legislation that pushed education forward. The Permanent and Available School Funds created by the constitution, called for a one dollar poll tax from every voter. This poll tax would generate revenues in which one forth would be dedicated to education. It is the language of this particular legislation that has laid the ground work for finance lawsuits in Texas. After studying the history of school finance, I have a better understanding about public education and how schools were established. I have also realized why certain issues are still currently being discussed in this day and age.