Commentaries at the San Antonio Report provide space for our community to share perspectives and offer solutions to pressing local issues. The views expressed in this commentary belong to the author alone.
School choice is nearly a reality in the state of Texas — and it can’t come soon enough.
The Texas Legislature is considering House Bill 3, which would create the largest day-one school choice program ever and greatly benefit families like mine. Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott predicted that school choice would pass in early April, and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz visited Austin to emphasize how crucial it is to get the job done. Last Thursday, the House Public Education Committee voted to advance this bill.
This news is welcome for families like mine. As a parent of a child with Down syndrome, I have firsthand experience with how the public school system has failed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. My child struggled for years in a system that was not equipped to provide the necessary support, leading to frustration and missed opportunities for growth.
I strongly support expanding school choice in Texas and was thrilled to see Sen. Cruz come out with a prominent advertising campaign in favor of it. Too many legislators over the years have ignored calls from Texans like me for school choice, but the tide is finally turning. It’s about time.
Families with special needs students always benefit from having more options. Sometimes, the options within the public school system aren’t enough. After exhausting all options within the public school system, we made the difficult decision to enroll our child in a private school that specializes in individualized education. The difference has been life-changing. My child is now thriving, with educators who understand her needs and provide the necessary resources for success.
The passage of school choice legislation would mark a significant step toward addressing the challenges families like mine are facing. Proposals from the state House and Senate would allow families to utilize more than $10,000 for a variety of pre-approved education expenses. Families could choose tuition at a private school or use the money for homeschooling costs, tutoring, transportation, special needs therapies and more. For students with special needs, this amount could be even higher. This level of support could make a world of difference for those of us who have struggled to find appropriate educational settings within the public school system.
The bill is moving through the Texas House and has enough co-sponsors to pass. I urge our representatives to show courage in the face of the education status quo and recognize the transformative potential of this program for students across the state, especially those with disabilities.
The push for school choice acknowledges a fundamental truth that I’ve experienced firsthand: every child is unique and deserves an education tailored to his or her individual needs. My child’s journey from struggling in a one-size-fits-all public school environment to thriving in a specialized private setting is a testament to the power of educational choice. By empowering parents to make decisions about their children’s education, we can ensure that more students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
As a parent who has navigated both public and private systems, I can attest to the necessity of alternatives. While public schools play a vital role in our educational ecosystem, they cannot always meet the diverse needs of every student, particularly those with disabilities. The assertion that students with special needs would not benefit from having another tool in the toolbox is based on ignorance. The Educational Savings Accounts program doesn’t aim to dismantle public education; it expands opportunities for all students, especially those who are currently underserved.
The journey of raising a child with Down syndrome has taught me the importance of adaptability and personalized support in education. The proposed ESA program embodies these principles, offering a pathway for every child to receive an education that recognizes individual strengths and challenges. It’s not just about school choice; it’s about giving every child the chance to succeed on their own terms.
That’s why I urge the Texas House to follow the Senate’s lead and pass this crucial legislation. Let’s create an educational landscape where every child, regardless of their abilities or background, can flourish. The future of Texas depends on nurturing the potential of all our children, and the ESA program is a significant step toward achieving that goal.
