GUEST OPINION
Most Texans don’t fully grasp how public schools are funded.
I didn’t — at least until my daughter and other Texas public-school administrators tried to explain it to me. I’ll be honest, it was confusing, and I was tempted to zone out.
Then it hit me: This is one reason why the school-voucher law passed. A lack of knowledge left many Texans perplexed, making it easier to be swayed by flashy ads and catchy phrases like “school choice,” “student choice” and “educational choice.”
These buzzwords sound great on paper — but the reality behind them is far less promising.
The second reason is structural and political. Rather than allowing taxpayers to decide whether public-school funds should be redirected to private education, lawmakers opted to move forward without more direct public input.
As a result, significant amounts of funding will now shift away from public schools — many of which already face budget constraints and resource challenges — while benefiting families who can afford private options. The decision raises concerns about how Texas will continue to support quality education for all students, particularly in communities relying heavily on public schools.
Instead of staying frustrated, I decided to figure out why this Universal Education Savings Account program, also UESA or vouchers, is so controversial among Texas families who understand what’s really at stake.
I want to share what I learned and offer an action plan for those who might feel just as helpless as I did. Because when it comes to our children’s education, understanding the system is the first step to fighting for something better.
Where does the money come from?
On average, Texas students receive $14,650 per year, with 51% coming from local sources, 37% from the state and 12% from federal funds. However, these numbers fluctuate dramatically across districts. In the Taylor Independent School District, for example, 67% of funds come from local funding, 29% state funding and federal only 4%.
As state and federal funding declines, local communities shoulder more of the burden to keep schools afloat. Now, with the UESA program set to roll out next year, public-education funds will start flowing into private hands, further straining resources meant for public schools, teachers and students.
What Texans are really getting
Many politicians and special-interest groups push vouchers as a solution to education concerns — but the reality is much different. When states divert public funds into private voucher programs, they are not expanding choices for most families.
They are shrinking the ability of public schools to deliver quality education — especially for underserved and rural communities.
The facts speak for themselves: 75% of Texas public-school districts have been underfunded since the pandemic; Texas now spends $3,000 less per pupil than the national average. The governor claims public-school students will be “fully funded” — yet the recently passed anemic basic allotment per-student increase barely covers inflation since 2019.
While the new funding budget for public schools will be touted as a historic commitment to Texas children, it leaves many schools still in debt from years of legislative neglect.
Indeed, wealthier families, private institutions and the largest Texas counties will benefit from these voucher programs, while smaller districts, lowerincome families and rural schools struggle to stay afloat. Rural areas that have no private school options to choose from, hard-working families who are unable to make up the difference in actual tuition and other expenses, and those who have special-needs students who depend on the federal mandate for support – these are all the losers.
Every parent, teacher and voter in Texas should be asking one question: “Why are we letting state leaders dismantle our public schools instead of fixing them?”
2026: the next opportunity
Now that the UESA program is law, public-school families and communities must recognize what’s at stake. Many of our elected leaders, including our own District 52 Rep. Caroline Harris-Davila, R-Round Rock, have placed private interests above the quality of public education for our children.
Surprisingly, Texas representatives Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston, and Dale Phelan, R-Orange, stood their ground for the rural areas they represent, voting “no” on vouchers — remaining the only two standouts against the GOP majority’s “yes” vote, which ignores 98% of children who depend on a strong public-school education.
The election in 2026 will be a critical opportunity to elect pro-public school candidates; leaders who work for all counties, not just the elite few. Texas families must demand real solutions that strengthen all public schools, students and communities, not just those who can afford private education.
If we don’t stand up, who will?
Public-school parents, teachers and community members must hold lawmakers accountable. You have the power to protect the future of Texas education — or sit back as state leaders continue to strip our campuses of resources.
Anders is a Taylor resident.
Warning signs for public-school families
If you care about the quality of Texas education, start watching your local district’s annual budgets and the effects of this new voucher program.
• More schools closing
• More teacher resignations
• More school board turmoil and drama
• More voter-approved tax rate elections and bonds
• More added school fees
• More four-day school weeks
• Higher property taxes despite declining home values
