Download & Print
November 2, 2024
Today in Texas History
On this day in 1920, voters ratified the Better Schools Amendment to the Constitution of 1876. The amendment removed limitations on tax rates allowable by local school districts for support of their public schools, thus potentially easing the state's burden of school financing.
Administrators also hoped the amendment would increase equality in school conditions by enabling each district to improve its facilities. The results of the amendment were mixed. Though it brought a 51 percent increase in local support for public schools by 1923, many local districts moved slowly to increase taxation while continuing to rely on the state as their primary source of financing.
Administrators also hoped the amendment would increase equality in school conditions by enabling each district to improve its facilities. The results of the amendment were mixed. Though it brought a 51 percent increase in local support for public schools by 1923, many local districts moved slowly to increase taxation while continuing to rely on the state as their primary source of financing.