As noted above, in light of the predictions of the estimated shortfall being between $15-18 billion next session, the SBOE postponed issuing Proclamation 2012 – it had a $1.4 billion price tag for new science textbooks and other materials.
Instead, members of the board decided to purchase supplemental instructional materials that only cover new science curriculum standards for science classes offered in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8, as well as Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC).
The SBOE could have proceeded with issuance of Proclamation 2012, but there was no guarantee that the Legislature would appropriate all the money. The last time Texas faced a similar budget situation, in 2003, lawmakers opted to not appropriate funds to purchase the scheduled textbooks.
The Permanent School Fund, an endowment overseen by the State Board of Education, is on course to produce more than $1 billion for the next two-year budget to the Available School Fund. The State Textbook Fund is statutorily identified as the use for the Available School Fund.