George Borrego endorses SB 843 to enhance transparency in Texas school bond debt

On April 8, 2025, the Texas Senate Committee on Education convened to discuss significant legislative measures impacting K-12 education funding and transparency. The meeting highlighted Senate Bill 843, which aims to enhance transparency regarding school district bond debt, a topic that has garnered increasing attention due to rising financial burdens on local taxpayers.

George Borrego, the K-12 policy director at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, presented compelling statistics during his testimony. He noted that over the past decade, spending on land construction in Texas schools has surged by 116%, the highest rate in the nation. This increase has been largely fueled by voter-approved bonds, with total school district bond debt now exceeding $200 billion. This staggering figure translates to approximately $36,000 per student, raising concerns about the sustainability of such financial commitments.

Borrego emphasized the need for greater transparency in how these funds are managed and allocated, suggesting that SB 843 would provide local stakeholders with clearer insights into the financial decisions affecting their schools. His remarks were supported by Jaime Puente, director of economic opportunity for Every Texan, who echoed the importance of transparency in bond debt management and expressed support for the bill.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the financial pressures facing Texas school districts and the need for accountability in educational funding. As the meeting concluded, SB 843 was left pending, indicating that further deliberation will be necessary before any decisions are made.

This meeting underscores the ongoing dialogue about educational finance in Texas, particularly as districts navigate increasing debt levels and the implications for taxpayers. The anticipated next steps will likely involve further scrutiny of the proposed legislation and its potential impact on the state's educational landscape.