Past Contributions

• Educators have been skeptical of Dan Patrick. Will they support his teacher pay raise plan?

  By Aliyya Swaby Feb. 25, 2019

  The Texas lieutenant governor is proposing across-the-board $5,000 raises for teachers. It's a seismic shift for a lawmaker who spent the last legislative session backing proposals educators revile. Full Story 

• Teachers, tell us your thoughts about the Texas Legislature's proposed $5,000 pay raises

  By María Méndez, Forrest Milburn and Aliyya Swaby Feb. 25, 2019

  Texas lawmakers are considering a proposal that would increase teacher pay by $5,000. We want to talk to teachers about their salaries. Full Story 

• Democrats lay out their priorities for Texas school finance as lawmakers await leadership-endorsed bill

  By Aliyya Swaby Feb. 21, 2019

  The Texas House Democratic Caucus is calling for a $14.5 billion package that includes all-day pre-K, teacher raises and property tax relief. Full Story 

• Texas' school finance system is unpopular and complex. Here's how it works.

  By Aliyya Swaby Feb. 15, 2019

  Average Texans and lawmakers alike are going back to the basics on school finance, as the state Legislature prepares to tackle a longstanding challenge. Full Story 

• Texas leaders want voters to OK property tax revenue growth over 2.5 percent. They couldn't get 4 percent in 2017.

  By Brandon Formby, Aliyya Swaby and Arya Sundaram Updated: Jan. 31, 2019

  The leaders of both legislative chambers say they will be united this year — even if cities and counties push back — and that local officials should come to Austin with solutions in hand if they don't like new proposals. Full Story 

• Many see "Robin Hood" as a villain. But lawmakers rely on it to pay for schools.

  By Aliyya Swaby Jan. 31, 2019

  Even outspoken critics of the controversial program that redistributes money among school districts, acknowledge that they need it to avoid future school-finance lawsuits. Full Story 

• In 2017, top Texas lawmakers were galvanized for "private school choice." This year, momentum has faded.

  By Aliyya Swaby Jan. 23, 2019

  Speaker Dennis Bonnen has said a private school voucher bill won't pass the House. Meanwhile, other state leaders have toned down their calls for programs that give parents state money for kids to attend private schools. Full Story 

• Will Texas' attempt to shake up school finance lead to higher stakes for standardized tests?

  By Aliyya Swaby Jan. 18, 2019

  The idea of tying a portion of funding to test scores appeals to some who want to improve student performance, but it enrages educators who say it will encourage teaching to the test. Full Story 

• To settle voting rights suit, Richardson ISD will get rid of at-large elections

  By Alexa Ura and Aliyya Swaby Jan. 17, 2019

  The board, which is all white, will shift five of its seats to single-member districts in a bid to add more representation for people of color. Full Story 

• Texas Senate proposes $3.7 billion for mandated teacher raises

  By Aliyya Swaby Jan. 15, 2019

  Senate leaders say they will require districts to use the money to give $5,000 raises to each teacher. Full Story