AUSTIN, Texas -- Several Texas school board members have testified about how differences in property values lead it unequal taxation and funding for public schools.
The school board members complained about how some districts can raise more money at lower tax rates, creating inequities between neighboring communities. School district have sued the state over the way it finances schools.
Kaufman resident Joseph Langston said his district charges the maximum property tax rate of $1.17 and raises $5,814 per student. But nearby Sunnyvale school district charges only $1.02 and raises $6,657 per student. State funds balance out per student spending, but the unequal tax system hurts people who live in poorer areas.
Attorneys for the state argued that the problem is with local authorities, not with how Texas funds public schools with property taxes.
