Beginning in 2018, the Texas Commission on Public School Finance, comprised of 13 members inside and outside of the legislature, will begin the task of studying and making recommendations to improve the school finance system. This five-part series prepares readers to engage with lawmakers and the school finance commission by providing background on past school finance commissions, the strengths and challenges of the current finance system, and recommendations for improvements. Part 1 of this series covers: (1) Past school finance litigation; (2) The legislature's response to the 2016 Texas Supreme Court ruling; (3) An overview of the newly created Texas Commission on Public School Finance; and (4) Past studies and commissions tasked with improving the school finance system. [For the other reports in this series: "Investing in Our Future: What You Need to Know as Texas Re-Examines the School Finance System. Part 2. Leveling the Playing Field: Ensuring Fair Access to Education Funding," see ED586272; "Investing in Our Future: What You Need to Know as Texas Re-Examines the School Finance System. Part 3. Money in Education Matters: Determining the Cost of a High Quality Education," see ED586273; "Investing in Our Future: What You Need to Know as Texas Re-Examines the School Finance System. Part 4. Funding Schools is a Shared Responsibility: Finding a Balance between State and Local Funding Sources," see ED586274; and "Investing in Our Future: What You Need to Know as Texas Re-Examines the School Finance System. Part 5. Education Costs Money, but Ignorance Costs More: Developing a Revenue System Capable of Funding High Quality Education Today and Tomorrow," see ED586275.]