Texas House Approves Private School Voucher Program, Sparking Controversy
In a tightly contested session that extended into the early hours of Thursday, the Texas House of Representatives voted to establish a private school voucher program, drawing concern from many stakeholders, including school leaders, educators, and parents.
The measure, pushed by Governor Greg Abbott, passed with a vote of 86-61, allocating $1 billion to create education savings accounts that families can use for private schooling. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has indicated support for the House’s bill, aiming to expedite its passage in the Senate.
The decision marks a significant shift in the Texas legislative landscape, which has historically been resistant to voucher programs. Many previous opponents of such measures faced electoral setbacks during the 2024 primaries, influenced by substantial funding from pro-voucher advocates.
Concerns from Public School Advocates
Many parents and educators have expressed apprehension regarding the voucher program, fearing it may divert funds from public schools already struggling with financial challenges. Amber Davidson, a Midland mom with two children in public school, stated, “Ultimately, this voucher program is not what is best for the 5 million excess Texas public school students.”
Angela Cardenas, an instructional coach at Frenship Independent School District, echoed these concerns, suggesting that the funds allocated for vouchers could have been better spent improving public education. “I fear the voucher program will lead to fewer students attending public schools, which would result in less funding for them,” she noted.
Implications for Private Schools
The president of Midland Christian School, Gregory Anderson, described the vote as a cautious development for his institution, which operates at full capacity. While he acknowledged the potential long-term benefits of the voucher program, he emphasized that immediate impacts may not materialize.
Conversely, Candice Halls from St. Patrick Catholic Classical School highlighted the potential advantages for low-income families. “This will provide a lot of relief to them,” she said, reflecting on how the vouchers could fully cover tuition costs for struggling families.
Debate Among Lawmakers
The legislative vote revealed a divide among Texas lawmakers, with only two Republicans opposing the measure: Representatives Dade Phelan and Gary VanDeaver. Phelan noted that his constituents had expressed overwhelming support for public schools, raising concerns about the implications for state resources.
In the wake of the vote, some rural lawmakers who typically oppose vouchers expressed a willingness to engage in negotiations, hoping to introduce amendments that would protect public education funding. Representative Drew Darby mentioned that the bill’s passage would enable him to advocate for improvements to it.
The Path Forward
Looking ahead, school officials in East Texas are eager to see how the new voucher program will be implemented. Chris Stanley, board president of the Ector County School District, stated, “I hope they put guardrails [on Senate Bill 2].” He urged legislators to demonstrate that the program would assist students in need rather than serve as a financial benefit for affluent families.
As Texas navigates these educational changes, many are watching closely to evaluate the long-term effects on both public and private education systems.