This study investigates the regulatory and financial incentives driving up expenditures and examines the fiscal accountability of school districts to taxpayers. Economist Milton Holloway reviews the economic performance of three Texas school districts and finds their accounting systems were not designed to differentiate between required spending and discretionary spending. This calls into question claims that public schools have insufficient funds to provide core instructional programs.
K-12 Education
Texas Spends Billions on Public Schools. Where Does the Money Go?
Texans paid nearly $105 billion last year to support public schools. They expect that money to go towards providing students with a quality education, not to merely employ adults or line the pockets of outside consultants and contractors. If Texas wants a school system that is focused on effective education and not the appearance of...
August 28, 2026