I think it's sad that Texas communities spend so much on their football programs when I look at their academic ranks. Maybe buy the kids some new textbooks and mix in a better music program? Improve student/teacher ratio? I know. Crazy talk. Much more important to be able to show off your high school football championship ring at the local bar when you're 40.
These communities with the big stadiuims aren't the ones with the academic problems, these are some of the best ones in the state. Allen, Plano, Carrolton etc are in the suburbs north of Dallas (well Carrolton more west), and have ****loads of $$$ to throw around.
In Texas, if your district brings in a lot of money through taxes it is pumped right out of your district into other parts of the state (the "Robinhood" law). You're better off building facilities with bond money etc, and relying on PTA for much of the financial support of the school.