The actions Texas lawmakers take in the next days will be some of the most consequential of the decade. Our public schools are facing a multitude of challenges ranging from teacher shortages and outdated technology to the long-term impacts of the pandemic. Add to this the pressure of inflation affecting everything from staff salaries to energy costs, and it is clear we are at a watershed moment. It is clear that we need to invest in our public schools, not in a school voucher program.
The third special legislative session called by Gov. Greg Abbott is nearing an end with no movement on school vouchers, the governor’s top priority. If Abbott does not see a satisfactory school vouchers bill by the end of the session on Nov. 7, he has said he will call a fourth special session. As someone deeply invested in both education and community development, I am acutely aware that the decisions made will have long-lasting effects not only on our children but on the future of our state.
The pathway to prosperity for Texas runs directly through the halls of our public schools. Prior to the pandemic, Texas legislators seemed to be aligned in recognizing this fact with bipartisan support allocating needed funds and focus into our public education system. Programs to address the needs of our public schools were beginning to take shape including San Antonio’s first public Montessori school at Steele Montessori Academy.
During my tenure as a school board member, I witnessed the positive outcomes of these investments. They played a pivotal role in transforming San Antonio Independent School District from a constant “Needs Improvement” status, essentially equivalent to an F grade, to achieving a B state accountability rating in 2018-19. Our continuous improvement efforts had set us on an upward trajectory, with momentum firmly on our side.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, diverting attention and resources while introducing a new set of challenges that subtly eroded the gains our schools had made. Amid these challenges, we lost our collective focus on the importance of investing in our schools and legislative priorities shifted. As a result, we find ourselves slipping. Texas now ranks 42nd in the nation in per-student spending, trailing the national average by more than $4,000 per student.
The school voucher program being proposed is a reactive firefighting measure, not a sustainable solution to the long-term challenges our public schools face. Instead of investing in improving public education for all students, a voucher program funnels public dollars into private institutions, further eroding the quality of our schools and our communities. Our public schools have been creative with the limited funding they have received, offering a wide range of choices for students from advanced placement programs to vocational training. But there is only so far they can stretch their funds, especially when they are now forced to reallocate their already limited resources to address learning losses due to the pandemic.
The health of our communities is inextricably linked to the quality of our schools. As someone with experience in real estate and community development, I can attest that the strength of our schools directly impacts the value of our homes, the prosperity of our neighborhoods and the availability of amenities and housing options. A strong public education system boosts community engagement, elevates property values, and fosters economic growth. It makes Texas a more attractive place for families to set down roots and businesses to invest in. When we strip away resources from public education through initiatives like school vouchers, we are not just taking from our schools, we are taking from our future.
Given the considerable budget surplus and the money in the state’s Rainy Day Fund, now is the time to invest in what truly matters. When given the opportunity, Texas voters continue to overwhelmingly indicate their support for improving public education standards and ensuring that high school graduates are prepared for their next steps. According to the latest Texas 2036 Texas Voter Poll, nearly half of Texas voters believe that future generations will have fewer opportunities than prior ones — a 17-point increase since January 2022. Texas lawmakers have the resources to invest in the future and we must demand that they prioritize our public schools.
Our public education system is the backbone of our society; we need to refocus our energies on giving it the support that it needs. Rather than creating escape routes that siphon off resources and attention, let us commit to elevating the foundation that supports all of us.
The choices made in the coming weeks will set the course for a generation. It is not a question of pitting public against private education; it is a matter of choosing between a failing status quo and a future where our public schools are equipped to elevate every Texan. We have the opportunity — and the obligation — to shape the future of our state by focusing our collective energy on a long-term vision instead of short-term firefighting. This is not merely a legislative session; it is a defining moment for Texas. And we cannot afford to get it wrong.
