AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - An official representing charter schools in Texas says that a state ban on funding buildings and other facilities means that those schools must divert money away from students.

Denise Pierce, the general counsel for the Texas Charter Schools Association, testified Monday in a lawsuit that more than 600 school districts brought against the state. School officials say lawmakers did not provide sufficient funding for public schools.

Charter schools joined the lawsuit and complain that they only receive per-student funding. That means the schools must spend money out of their education program for facilities. Public school districts can raise money through bond propositions and some state support.

Attorneys for the state pointed out that charter schools have more flexibility than public schools and lawmakers expect them to be more efficient.