LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The San Marcos School District will present a Legislative Town Hall on Monday, March 3, 7 p.m., at the district’s central office, 1331 Highway 123.
Learn how legislative action can impact our San Marcos school district as it juggles budget constraints, protects immigrant children, determines the best curricula, and maintains integrity of our teaching and support staff.
Texas’ 2.7 trillion GDP makes it the 8th largest economy in the world. The state’s 24 billion budget surplus offers the legislature the opportunity to comply with the state’s constitutional mandate of establishing an efficient system of public free schools. (Feb 15, 1876) The legislature could raise teachers’ salaries to the national average (almost $9000), raise the per/student allotment to the national average, fully fund four-year-old pre-kindergarten to equip young children to begin well.
Sadly, under the guise of providing choice, the legislature could choose to squander these opportunities by offering vouchers which divert taxpayers’ dollars to private schools. In reality, it’s our public schools which provide choices: gifted and talented options for advanced students, services for children with special needs, opportunities in drama, art, music and almost every sport. Magnet schools focus on students’ special interests such as science or STEM or music or drama. Additionally, public schools provide nutritious meals and transportation, even for after-school events.
It’s deceptive to claim that vouchers will not harm public schools because the money will come from different pools in the state budget. Our public schools should have access to every last dollar available for education.
The writers of the Texas constitution in 1876 were clear about the purpose of their bold plan for public education. “A general diffusion of knowledge being essential to the preservation of the liberties and rights of the people” Bold action is required to preserve those liberties and rights assured to us through education.
Betsy Singleton San Marcos
