Latest news with #RaiseYourHandTexas
CBS News
16-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Texas Senate unveils public school funding plan with major differences from House version
With just over two weeks left in the legislative session, Texas senators have introduced their version of the sweeping public school funding bill, House Bill 2, which diverges significantly from the House's proposal passed in April. CBS News Texas The Senate Education Committee held a public hearing on the bill on Thursday. Both chambers aim to invest billions in public education, but lawmakers remain divided over how the money should be distributed. "At the end of the day, the difference right now is how we're flowing that funding and how we're directing school districts to spend that money," said Bob Popinski, senior director of policy at Raise Your Hand Texas. It has been five years since lawmakers last increased per-student funding for public schools. The House plan would raise the basic allotment by $395 per student, offering school districts more flexible funding to cover teacher and support staff salaries, daily operations, and rising costs driven by inflation. In contrast, the Senate's version proposes a more modest $55 increase to the basic allotment, opting instead to allocate the largest share of funding to teacher pay raises. These raises would favor teachers with more experience and those in smaller districts. "For districts that are trying to balance budgets and get out of structural deficits that have been caused by inflation, the House version helps do that," said Kimberly Smith, chief finance and strategy officer for Frisco ISD. "And the Senate's version is so directed towards teacher pay raises that it's going to present a challenge for us to give raises to the other half of our staff that aren't teachers. So while we're really grateful for any investment in public education, and we definitely think our teachers deserve a raise, it's going to be much harder to get through the next couple of years without more flexible funding." Both versions of House Bill 2 include additional funding for special education services, the teacher pipeline, and full-day pre-K. "Both versions do incredible things for our public schools," said Bob Popinski, senior director of policy at Raise Your Hand Texas. "Any amount to move the ball forward on funding our schools is a good step forward, and so we hope we get something across the finish line." The Senate version must still clear the committee and pass on the Senate floor. If approved, the bill will likely head to a conference committee, where lawmakers from both chambers will try to reconcile the differences. "I think our main message is we all heartedly appreciate the work that both the House and Senate have done to invest in public education," Smith said. "I don't think any bill that passes at this point is going to be perfect and exactly what every district needs, but we can take a step forward now, and then we can work through the interim and in the next session to take another step forward, and so on and so forth." The legislative session ends June 2.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Texas governor signs landmark school voucher law, cementing conservative shift in education
Texas has rewritten the rules of American education governance. With the stroke of a pen, Governor Greg Abbott has signed into law the most expansive school voucher programme in the United States — one that makes more than 5 million children eligible to use public funds for private education. This sweeping move not only cements Texas' role at the forefront of the conservative school choice movement , but also intensifies a growing national debate about the future of public education. Backed by a $1 billion allocation for its initial two years, the law is a culmination of years of ideological pressure and political maneuvering by Republican leaders determined to shift control of education from public institutions to families. While hailed by proponents as a liberation of parental rights, the law has triggered deep anxieties among educators, advocates, and economists who warn that such policies could siphon resources from already underfunded public schools — particularly in rural and low-income communities. A new conservative playbook for education Governor Abbott described the signing as a 'culmination of a movement,' referring to the wave of school choice legislation sweeping through Republican-led legislatures across the country. By granting every school-aged child in Texas eligibility for vouchers — regardless of income — the state joins a growing bloc of conservative states redefining the relationship between families and the education system. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Senioren entdecken eine einfache Lösung gegen Nagelpilz Heilratgeber Weiterlesen Undo Under the new law, most Texas students could receive up to $10,000 annually to attend private schools beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. The law stipulates certain accountability measures: Students must take a nationally recognised standardised test, and schools must undergo annual audits. Yet even these provisions have done little to quell concerns that the programme will primarily benefit wealthier families able to afford the gap between voucher support and private school tuition. Winners, losers, and the uneven playing field Proponents argue that the programme gives parents more agency and enables children to escape underperforming schools. But detractors fear it deepens inequality. Critics point out that vouchers rarely cover the full cost of private education, making the option inaccessible to the very families it claims to help. This could result in a bifurcated education system — a well-funded private track for those who can afford it, and a diminished public system for everyone else. The warning signs are already visible. Texas ranks 47th in the nation for per-pupil spending, according to the National Education Association. Libby Cohen, executive director of Raise Your Hand Texas, notes that public schools would need nearly $20 billion in additional funding simply to keep pace with inflation since 2019 — far more than what has been proposed in parallel legislation. A political chess match The passage of the law represents a strategic political victory for Abbott, who mobilized pro-voucher forces to unseat resistant Republican incumbents during recent primaries. The campaign effectively dismantled bipartisan opposition that had long stalled voucher initiatives, particularly from rural Republicans concerned about their districts' lack of private school options. In parallel, the Trump administration's lingering influence looms large. President Donald Trump's executive orders and vocal support for school choice laid the groundwork for such policies, aligning federal messaging with state-level agendas. Conservative think tanks like the Heritage Foundation have praised Texas for 'empowering families,' while progressive voices warn of a dangerous precedent that undermines public goods. What's next for public schools? While the voucher law is now state policy, its consequences are far from settled. Public school districts — already stretched thin — may see further enrollment declines and funding losses, which could trigger staff layoffs, programme cuts, and school closures. Education unions and civil rights advocates argue that these impacts will disproportionately affect students from marginalised communities. Furthermore, although the law includes guardrails limiting high-income families from receiving a disproportionate share of the funding, the effectiveness of such measures remains uncertain. Analysts like Jon Valant from the Brookings Institution caution that the policy could worsen educational stratification and hollow out what remains of the public school safety net. A crossroads for Texas — and the nation The Texas voucher law is more than just state legislation; it is a bellwether for the ideological battle over education in America. It embodies a vision of schooling rooted in market principles, choice, and individualism — a sharp departure from the traditional model of publicly funded, universally accessible education. As the law rolls out, it will test the resilience of Texas' public school system and provoke broader questions across the country: Who should control the future of education? What role should the state play in ensuring equity? And at what cost does 'choice' come? With its enormous scope and ideological weight, Texas' new law is likely to define the education debate for years to come — not only within its borders, but across the nation. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ector County ISD leaders advocate for public education at Texas Capitol
AUSTIN, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Two leaders from Ector County Independent School District (ECISD) traveled to the Texas Capitol just before Spring Break, advocating for policies that support public education. Bowie Middle School Principal Amy Russell and Lauren Tavarez, ECISD's Director of Digital Learning, met with state legislators to share firsthand experiences about the challenges and successes within their district, emphasizing the need for stronger educational policies and funding. Russell and Tavarez, both alumni of Raise Your Hand Texas initiatives, were selected from a pool of applicants statewide for this advocacy event. The initiative provided two options: delivering public testimony or meeting directly with legislators. Russell opted to visit legislative offices, where she and her group engaged in discussions with lawmakers about the importance of supporting House Bill 2 (HB 2) and House Bill 26 (HB 26)—key pieces of legislation impacting public school funding and operations. She met with Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, Representative Gina Hinojosa, Ector County's Representative Brooks Landgraf, and Senators Royce West and Kevin Sparks. 'It was impressive to see what goes into changing funding, and also rewarding to see non-educators stand up, speak up, and work to make change happen for Texas schools,' Russell said. 'We really enjoyed being a voice for ECISD students, staff, and families and value the impact we felt we made on such an important topic affecting so many of us.' Tavarez took a different approach, opting to provide testimony before the House Committee on Public Education regarding HB 2, a bill focused on public school finance and funding. She delivered a three-minute testimony before answering questions from committee members. Her testimony can be viewed at this link, beginning at the 17:00 mark. 'It was a great day, we learned a lot and were so proud to have the opportunity for our voices to be heard,' Tavarez said. 'This was a unique platform to gain valuable insight, forge important connections, and contribute meaningfully to the dialogue about public education.' Their advocacy efforts highlight ECISD's commitment to improving education policy and funding, ensuring that Texas students and educators receive the support they need. By stepping into the legislative arena, Russell and Tavarez demonstrated the power of firsthand experience in shaping policies that impact schools statewide. 'We are proud of their leadership and commitment to the betterment of our educational system,' ECISD Chief Communications, Mike Adkins wrote. Their participation in this event serves as a reminder of the importance of advocacy in education, reinforcing the need for ongoing engagement with policymakers to address the challenges facing Texas schools. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Advocacy at the Texas Capitol: Two district leaders champion public education
Mar. 19—Two Ector County ISD leaders, Bowie Middle School Principal Amy Russell and Director of Digital Learning Lauren Tavarez, spent two days at the State Capitol in Austin just before Spring Break, meeting state legislators and offering a firsthand perspective on the challenges and successes experienced in the district, highlighting the crucial need for supportive educational policies. Both Russell and Tavarez are alumni of Raise Your Hand Texas initiatives, and they were selected for this event from a pool of applicants from across the state. They were given two pathways — public testimony or office visits with Representatives and Senators. Russell joined a group that spent a day visiting the offices of elected officials, expressing support for public education, sharing personal experiences, and discussing the potential impacts of legislative decisions on our classrooms. Among those she visited, promoting support for HB (House Bill) 2 and HB 26, were Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, Reps. Gina Hinojosa, Representative Brooks Landgraf, plus Sens. Royce West and Kevin Sparks. "It was impressive to see what goes into changing funding, and also rewarding to see non-educators stand up, speak up and work to make change happen for Texas schools," Russell said in a news release. "We really enjoyed being a voice for ECISD students, staff and families and value the impact we felt we made on such an important topic affecting so many of us." Tavarez volunteered to give testimony to the House Committee on Public Education about HB 2, which is related to public education and public school finance. She spoke for three minutes and then answered questions from members of the committee. You can watch her testimony here; her comments start about 17:00 into the recording. "It was a great day, we learned a lot and were so proud to have the opportunity for our voices to be heard," said Tavarez. "This was a unique platform to gain valuable insight, forge important connections, and contribute meaningfully to the dialogue about public education."
CBS News
18-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Texas House Republicans call school funding plan "historic," but advocates say it falls short
Texas House Republicans are calling their proposed $9 billion boost to public school funding "historic," but education advocates argue that while the plan is a step in the right direction, it still falls short of what schools need to keep up with inflation and rising costs. "House Bill 2, along with other bills we'll be hearing in our committee, will make the largest investment in our public schools in the history of the State of Texas—even when adjusted for inflation," said state Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, chairman of the House Public Education Committee. Buckley told CBS News Texas that the new funding includes nearly $2 billion for special education, teacher pay raises, and support staff. Bob Popinski, senior director of policy at the education advocacy group Raise Your Hand Texas , called the House proposal "a really good start" but said it still falls short. "Since 2009, we've seen a 22% increase in inflation. What does that mean? We need about $9.8 billion per year just to maintain the same purchasing power school districts had in 2019. Over a two-year budget cycle, that means we need about $20 billion," Popinski explained. Two years ago, the Texas Legislature left $4.5 billion for school districts unused after the House rejected Gov. Greg Abbott 's proposed education savings accounts, which would have allowed taxpayer money to fund private school tuition. Over the past year, many school districts have passed deficit budgets and even closed schools. When asked if state funding is to blame, Buckley responded, "Well, you're seeing lots of different reasons." One key reason, he said, is inflation. "It just costs more to do everything," Buckley noted. "Yeah, this reflects the largest investment in the history of Texas." Some school districts are also experiencing declining student enrollment, which reduces the amount of state funding they receive. Popinski emphasized that, despite lower enrollment, districts still face the same financial obligations. "You still have to take kids to school on the bus every day. You still have to offer them food service and hire cafeteria workers. You need principals, assistant principals, and extracurricular programs. All of that costs money," he said. To help districts struggling with enrollment declines, House Bill 2 includes a funding safeguard. "House Bill 2 has a 95% funding floor, meaning a district's funding cannot decrease by more than five percent per year due to enrollment declines," Buckley said. However, he added that districts still need to "right-size" their budgets. This provision of the bill is capped at $50 million. While Popinski said this funding protection is not a top priority for Raise Your Hand Texas, he acknowledged that it would help school districts. The Texas Senate has proposed an additional $5.3 billion in public school funding. Lawmakers in the House and Senate will now need to negotiate a final deal. Watch Eye On Politics at 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning on CBS News Texas on air and streaming. Follow Jack on X: @cbs11jack
