Core figures
The funding gap
Scale comparison — relative to state surplus
Visualizing how AISD recapture and deficit compare to the reported state surplus.
Bars scaled relative to state surplus. Source: AISD budget reports, Texas Comptroller.
Recapture growth — AISD
Recapture payments grew roughly 400% from FY2014–15 to recent years.
Source: AISD recapture reports
History: SB 7 (1993)
- Created after Edgewood ISD v. Kirby court rulings on equity
- Described as a temporary fix — no state income tax
- Evolved into a tool that reduces state financial responsibility
The math: WADA
- Weighted Average Daily Attendance — students as decimal weights
- Low-income, bilingual, and special ed carry higher multipliers
- Multipliers fail if the basic allotment ($6,160) doesn't keep pace with costs
A formula mismatch
Wealthy recapture — Austin
Wealthy recapture does not mean Austin families are rich. The state labels AISD property-wealthy based on land values per student — not family income. Nearly 48.4% of students are economically disadvantaged (TEA).
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total recapture paid (FY2000–FY2024–25) | $8.3 billion+ | AISD recapture reports |
| Recapture growth since FY2014–15 | ~400% | AISD recapture table |
| Share of general fund per dollar | ~46¢ to recapture | AISD FY2024–25 budget |
| Local revenue subject to recapture | ~52% | AISD recapture page |
| Largest recapture payer in Texas | AISD (#1) | AISD recapture reports |
Datos en español
La extracción — resumen
El estado etiqueta al distrito como "rico" por el valor de la propiedad, no por los ingresos familiares. Los bibliotecarios — piedra angular de la educación — aparecen en listas de recortes.
Public comment
Send feedback to AISD
Use this form to prepare a message to the Board of Trustees. Your email app will open with the message ready to send.