how oil and gas development
funds texas schools

Texas has two of the largest endowments in the country, thanks to oil and gas!

The Texas Permanent Schools Fund (or PSF)

An endowment for K-12 public schools, that totaled $44 billion as of August 31, 2018. In that same fiscal year, the PSF allocated $1.2 billion towards Texas education investments. This fund also issues bond guarantees that allow eligible school and charter districts to receive lower interest rates on their debt.

Total value of Permanent School Fund in 2018:
$44B

piggy bank

The Permanent University Fund (or PUF)

Established in 1876 by the Texas Constitution. Legislators wisely set aside land in the West Texas region in which all profits from mineral rights and surface income would feed into the PUF. Little did they know that this land would be worth billions someday, thanks to the Permian Basin, which is now the world’s highest producing oilfield. Today, the fund is worth around $22.6 billion, with around $1.1 billion coming from oil and gas in the fiscal year of 2018.

Total value of Permanent University Fund in 2018:
$22.6B

piggy bank
building

Number of ISDs where oil and gas revenue

Exceeds $1 million

192

Accounts for at least one-quarter of tax base

190

Accounts for over one-half of the tax base

70
hand depositing money

Amount deposited into Permanent School Fund in 2018 from oil and gas revenue:

$2B

Total tax levy for Texas ISDs from oil and gas properties:

$1.24B

Amount added to the Permanent University Fund in 2018 from oil and gas revenue:

$1.1B


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Partnering with schools across the state

Texas oil and gas producers are making an impact by partnering with schools across the state on education programs. By funding research for new energy technologies, these producers are improving educational opportunities across the Lone Star State.

stratigic plans to foster superior education

In 2018, companies in West Texas also joined forces to establish the Permian Strategic Partnership, which aims to improve the quality of life for West Texas residents, including implementing strategic plans to foster superior education and workforce development.

$16 Million

The partnership is still in its early phases, but producers have already committed $16.5 million to open 14 new, tuition-free, high-performing public charter schools in the region.

To read our full 2015 education white paper, click here.