IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE
School Finance Basics
Texas public schools are funded through a combination of local, state, and federal dollars, with local property tax collections now playing a significant role in supporting G-PISD’s operations, programs, and student success.
LION'S SHARE OF THE FUNDING IS LOCAL
The breakdown of funding sources in G-PISD might surprise you — it’s not an even split in this financial jungle.
Local property taxes make up the largest portion at 88%, followed by 10% from state, and 2% from federal sources.
Due to significant industrial growth within our boundaries, G-PISD has one of the strongest local property tax bases in the region. While this growth increases local tax collections, it also results in substantially higher recapture obligations under the Texas school finance system.
Like many Texas school districts, G-PISD continues to face financial pressures from underfunded state mandates, rising operational costs, inflation, and limited increases to the state’s Basic Allotment. As a property-wealthy Chapter 49 recapture district, the district must balance growing recapture payments with the ongoing need to support student programs, staffing, operations, and long-term financial stability.
STATE FUNDING STAGNATION
$6,160
Per student state funding has been unchanged since 2019.
+ $55
The 89th Texas Legislature increased funding by $55.
= $6,215
The increase to the Basic Allotment is a positive step forward for Texas public schools, although districts must still carefully navigate rising inflation and increasing operational costs.
OUR PACK IS GROWING
Unlike many Texas school districts facing declining enrollment, Gregory-Portland’s student enrollment is increasing.
Between 2018-2024, the district’s enrollment grew by 290 students (6.2%). During that same period, districts in our region experienced a five-year enrollment decrease of 5,925 students (-5.9%).
This is exciting news because state funding is driven by student attendance — meaning every student who walks through our doors each day helps strengthen opportunities across the district. But attendance is about much more than funding. Every day in class is an opportunity for students to learn, grow, build relationships, develop skills, and prepare for their future.
At G-PISD, we want students not only showing up, but actively engaging, improving academically, and taking advantage of the incredible opportunities available to them. When students attend consistently and stay connected in the classroom, everyone wins — our students, our schools, and our entire community.
Our attendance rate for the 2025-26 school year was 94%
and our goal for 2026-27 is 95%.
For every 1% of growth, G-PISD would increase state funding by approximately $308,000.