Amidst the U.S. India Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet, Governor Greg Abbott remains focused on advancing his school choice agenda during the final days of the third special session in Texas.
Governor Abbott has expanded the special session’s agenda to encompass significant educational reforms. This includes allocating billions from the state’s budget surplus towards enhancing school safety, increasing teacher pay, and improving special education. A notable element of his plan is the phasing out of the STAAR test, a standardized testing program in Texas. Abbott emphasized that his plan is comprehensive and beneficial, stating, “I said before, every school, every school district, every parent, every student will benefit because of the plan that we are working to get past.”
The core of Abbott’s proposal involves utilizing taxpayer funds to support families in choosing different educational options, such as private schools. This initiative would allow for over $10,000 annually per eligible student.
The governor’s proposal has not been without controversy. Some House Republicans, particularly those representing rural areas, have expressed concerns due to the limited funding and fewer private school options in their regions. Nicole Hill of the Texas American Federation of Teachers (Texas AFT) voiced a strong opposition, stating, “There is no amount funding increases, extra money in our pockets, that is worth the cost long term for our public schools.”
Texas AFT, representing over 65,000 public school educators, remains firmly against the plan. They argue that the governor has overlooked the fundamental need for increased basic allotment funding in public schools. Rena Honea of Alliance AFT highlighted this concern, emphasizing the necessity of addressing foundational funding issues in public education.
Conversely, the American Federation for Children supports the school choice initiative, advocating for parents’ freedom to select schools that best suit their children’s needs. Denisha Allen of the American Federation for Children shared a personal testimony, attributing her academic success to the opportunity to attend a school that met her educational needs.
Governor Abbott’s commitment to school choice is strong, to the extent that he has suggested supporting primary challengers against lawmakers who oppose his plan. This stance underscores the political weight of the issue in Texas and the potential for significant shifts in the state’s educational landscape.
As the third special session draws to a close, the fate of school choice in Texas hangs in the balance. The governor’s plan, if passed, could fundamentally transform the state’s educational system, affecting thousands of families, educators, and students across Texas.
