EDLD+5342+Week+1+Part+1

In my opinion from the lecture the following events are the three most important events in the historical background of Texas finance from the EDLD 5342 Week 1 lecture.
 * EDLD 5342 Week 1. Part 1 – Updating Blog, Wiki Group and Reviewing History of Texas School Finance **
 * The language of the Texas Constitution of 1876 that stated,” A general diffusion of knowledge being essential to the preservation of the liberties and rights of the people, it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of free public schools.” (EDLD 5342, Lecture Notes, Week 1, page 2). This event is important because Dr. Nicks states that it has been the foundation language for school finance lawsuits dealing with the adequacy, equity, and efficiency.


 * Gilmer-Aiken laws from the 51st Legislative Session in 1949 are also significant to Texas school finance because these laws established an approach for the state to supplement local taxes in order to adequately fund public education. During this time teacher salaries were increased, the school year was formalized, the structure of the governance of Texas schools was established (State Board of Education and Commissioner) and the number of school districts was reduced. The Gilmer-Aiken Laws impacted the way schools operated and were funded. (EDLD 5342, Lecture Notes, Week 1, page 3)


 * The last significant event cannot be assigned to one particular event but to a series of events. The court actions and legislation tied to them that have taken place beginning in 1968 with Rodriguez v San Antonio ISD, including 1984 Edgewood v Kirby, 1993 Revenue Recapture, 2005 Neeley v West Orange-Cove CISD, HB1 and concluding with the recent events. This series of events is significant because it illustrates the interplay of school finance with the court system. The court system applying pressure to the legislature to respond to the equalize funding. (EDLD 5342, Lecture Notes, Week 1, page 4 – 5). I totally agree with your last choice- this can cause some people to get upset and others who think this is a good idea to keep the talk alive. I think we still have many more court cases to look forward to regarding Robin Hood?