Texas Plans Spending Reviews at Four Districts

Texas Comptroller Don Huffines is conducting a detailed review of spending in Austin ISD and three other school districts—Barbers Hill, El Paso and Prosper—at Gov. Greg Abbott’s request. The review is intended to assess whether public funds are being used for their intended purposes, with particular attention to administrative spending, and could inform changes ahead of the next legislative session. Abbott has pointed to Austin ISD’s enrollment decline and rising administrative spending per student, and has proposed requiring districts to direct at least 70% of funds to classroom use. Austin ISD is also facing a substantial budget shortfall and has cut spending, while district officials say lower attendance and enrollment are reducing revenue. An advocate warned that the review will add administrative work for selected districts, noting that state funding requirements themselves can require staff time.