Some Pennies are More Equal than Others: Inequitable School Facilities Investment in San Antonio, Texas

This study investigates how local taxpayers in Texas fund the majority of educational facilities construction and maintenance costs, with local wealth significantly influencing the outcome of these facilities. Within the predominantly Latino and segregated San Antonio area, the traditional school districts exhibit considerable disparities in property wealth, district capacity, and expertise. The authors analyzed 12 school districts in the San Antonio area to explore the following questions:

1. How do state and local investments vary by district?
2. In what ways do district actions and constraints impact the quality of facilities and equitable investment?

The authors’ methods included descriptive quantitative analysis of facilities investment data and qualitative interviews with school district leaders, staff, and school finance experts. The examination of Texas school finance data illustrated the discrepancies in school district investments for educational facilities. Interestingly, some districts with lower property wealth displayed higher levels of tax effort but still raised less money per student for educational facilities via interest and sinking taxes. Moreover, interviews highlighted that several districts recognized their lack of capacity to maintain high-quality facilities for all students. Respondents often critiqued the current state policies and funding for educational facilities, deeming them inadequate, inequitable, and inefficient, and emphasized the urgent need for policy improvements amidst increasing state disinvestment.