History of the Texas School Coalition

In the spring of 1993, following numerous court rulings calling for the state to equalize school funding, the Texas Legislature adopted a system of finance that forced school districts to share property wealth. Many referred to this system as Robin Hood.  Following the adoption of this law, several school districts joined together to challenge the constitutionality of the new system.  In 1995, the Texas Supreme Court found the new system to be constitutional, and Robin Hood was here to stay.  

The group of approximately 30 districts affected by Robin Hood began gathering together, united by a common interest.  These districts were often referred to as “Chapter 41 districts” in reference to the chapter of the Texas Education Code that required this equalization of wealth.  In 1996, the group took actions to make their association official and in January 1997, the Texas School Coalition was officially incorporated with the purpose of improving Texas school funding laws, bringing accountability to state government and discipline to the state budget process.  The original board of directors represented the following school districts Highland Park ISD, Barbers Hill ISD, Seminole ISD, Plano ISD, Eanes ISD, Deer Park ISD, and Alamo Heights ISD.

Since that time, the Texas School Coalition has been actively engaged in all matters regarding school finance at the state level, including efforts at the Texas Capitol and with state agencies.  The Coalition also takes its role of accountability very seriously and has taken the lead on efforts that challenged the constitutionality of certain aspects of state laws governing school finance.