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The Texas House Democrats launched “Dontdefundmyschool. com” to help Texans understand the financial impact of the voucher program on neighborhood schools. By entering their local school district, users can see how a voucher program would impact their neighborhood schools.
“Our local schools are already facing a financial crisis, and any voucher scam will result in even more schools closing, more teachers leaving and more programs getting cut,” Rep. Erin Zwiener (D—Driftwood) said. ”Texas ranks among the bottom 10 states for per-pupil spending, trailing behind the national average by $4,400, and the funding gap will only continue to increase if Texas implements any form of a voucher scam.”
A large-scale voucher program would drain an additional $3.4 million from San Marcos CISD, $3.5 million from Dripping Springs ISD and $9.5 million from Hays CISD. Because of Governor Abbott holding school funding hostage last session, the districts are already projecting deficit budgets, with San Marcos CISD adopting a $17.62 million deficit, Dripping Springs ISD adopting a $2.89 million deficit and Hays CISD adopting a $6.2 million deficit for the 2024-2025 school year.
“Instead of stealing money from neighborhood schools, we should improve their funding to keep up with inflation,” Zwiener said. “Increasing the basic allotment and moving to enrollment-based funding would ensure that our schools have the resources they need to recruit and keep great teachers and to maintain a high quality education. If we refuse to act, then our schools will be forced to make difficult choices like cutting staff and programs.”
The Texas Senate has already passed a voucher bill in SB 2, and the Texas House has proposed one in HB 3. Texans have an opportunity to be heard on public education funding and vouchers during the current legislative session.
