Texas schools face many critical issues that will impact students and educators in the coming years. From funding debates to questions over school safety and academic freedom, decisions made by voters in November will shape the future of education across the state. Whether it’s local school board races or state-level decisions on public education policy, this election season holds significant implications for Texas schools, students, and families. Here’s what Defender Network readers need to know about Texas’s state of education before the election.
Who Makes Decisions About Texas Schools?
Locally elected school board members make most decisions about public schools. These officials oversee district budgets, hire or fire superintendents, and set policies on everything from cellphone usage to library book selections. School board elections are typically held in May.
However, important policies are also set at the state level. Members of the Texas Senate, House of Representatives, and the State Board of Education (SBOE) make decisions that directly impact school funding, graduation requirements, and curriculum standards. This November, voters will have the chance to elect representatives who will influence these critical issues.
Education Savings Accounts
One hotly contested issue is the push for education savings accounts (ESAs). Governor Greg Abbott and other supporters of ESAs argue that they give families more choice by allowing them to use public funds for private schooling. This voucher-like system is seen as a way to provide options for students in underperforming public schools.
Critics worry that ESAs will drain money from public schools, especially in rural areas with limited alternatives. They argue that private schools are not held to the same accountability standards and often do not serve students with disabilities. This debate will likely continue during the next legislative session and potentially reshape the education landscape in Texas.
Learning Gaps and Teacher Shortages
Texas kids struggle to make up lost academic ground four years after the COVID-19 pandemic. The epidemic and distant learning caused substantial learning deficits for many students. School districts are attempting to reduce these disparities, but the task is still very difficult, and progress has been sluggish.
The state is dealing with an increasing teacher shortage at the same time. Schools are increasingly employing teachers who are not certified or have not received extensive training. Roughly one in three newly hired teachers in Texas, according to data, do not have their entire qualification before they start. Concerns over the caliber of education that pupils receive are raised by this trend, particularly in districts with lower incomes and a greater teacher shortage.
School Safety: A Top Priority
The tragic 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde brought renewed attention to the issue of school safety. In response, Texas lawmakers mandated that every public school campus have armed personnel, whether a school resource officer or a staff member trained to carry a gun.
The state offers $10 per student and a $15,000 grant per site for security measures to assist schools in meeting these standards. Many school districts contend that this financing is far insufficient to guarantee the safety of their students, because of this, administrators throughout Texas continue to have serious security concerns.
Curriculum and Textbook Controversies
When it comes to establishing curricular standards and authorizing textbooks for Texas children, the State Board of Education is essential. Proposed revisions that include adding religious stories to state-created learning materials have generated controversy recently. Proponents contend that this aids pupils in comprehending historical events and literary allusions, but others point out that religion is becoming more and more prevalent in public education.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have faced criticism in addition to curriculum issues. The Texas Legislature recently outlawed DEI offices and operations in public colleges and universities. Schools that disregard this law might lose millions of dollars in state funding.
What to Expect in the 2024 Election
Several unresolved issues from the last legislative session will likely take center stage during the 2024 election. Education savings accounts, school funding, and the role of religion in public schools will be key topics for debate.
In particular, the basic allotment—the amount of money schools receive for each student—has not increased since 2019 despite rising costs due to inflation. Efforts to raise this funding stalled during the last legislative session, partly due to the ongoing battle over school choice. Many education leaders are frustrated that public schools aren’t receiving the resources to support students effectively.
At the same time, the quality of teacher training, school safety measures, and free speech on college campuses will likely remain hot-button issues as voters head to the polls.
While state-level decisions are critical, local school board elections should not be overlooked. These boards shape students’ day-to-day experiences, from approving new programs to setting districtwide policies. Diverse representation on school boards can ensure that all voices are heard, especially when it comes to addressing inequities and promoting inclusive policies.
