Fast-growing Texas school districts that are absorbing the bulk of new enrollment in the state want more financial latitude to build more classrooms.
Nearly three dozen districts last year maxed out a state-mandated cap on local school bond debt. Data from the Texas Education Agency shows that is up from just five districts in 2008 and none in 2003.
The Austin American-Statesman reported Friday that districts will again lobby lawmakers for relief starting in January. But many cast doubt on the chances of success in the Republican-dominated and debt-loathing Legislature.
Schools say the problem is declining state funding. Conservative analysts say districts are inappropriately financing short-term items such as buses and should re-examine spending.
More than 600 districts sued the state in 2011 over $5.4 billion in classroom cuts.
