Much of the money, sent to governors under a federal COVID-19 relief program passed last year, will go to families and students themselves.
Texas public schools had more teachers and administrators and lower attrition in the 2020-2021 year than ever before.
“Elementary school reading proficiency is actually the worst it’s ever been since the dawn of the STAAR test," Commissioner Morath said.
Social services, new technology, and staff expenses are all vying for top spots in the state's biggest local school budgets.
All three ESSER packages are now available, together totaling $17 billion in federal dollars for Texas schools alone.
This latest relief package, the largest of three, will beat the previous one to Texas public schools thanks to fewer "strings attached."
