Public Funds, Private Gain: The Truth About School Vouchers

Robbing Our Classrooms: Vouchers are a Shortcut to Inequality

Heading into Spring Break, I had the privilege of attending an advocacy day at the Texas State Capitol, and it was a day filled with empowerment, positivity, and a deep sense of purpose. Surrounded by students, educators, parents, and community leaders, we came together to champion public education and push back against policies that threaten its very foundation. We were from different backgrounds, political parties and regions in Texas, but the thing we all have in common is that we want what is best for our children.
 
No Choice at ALL:  The Hidden Dangers of School Vouchers
One of the most heated discussions centered around school vouchers. Dr. Calvin, a researcher from Michigan University, broke down the stark realities of these programs. In Florida, vouchers are marketed as an opportunity for the top 10% or 30% of students, but the data shows academic decline among kids who transfer to private schools. Why? Because most private schools that accept vouchers aren’t the elite institutions people imagine. Instead, many are financially distressed, pop-up schools with limited resources and unregulated standards. 

Zeph Capo, President of Texas Federation of Teachers made a powerful point: We must understand our past to see the present clearly. 
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The idea of school choice is misleading—schools do the choosing. They can reject or expel students based on their educational mission, religious beliefs, or even an arbitrary idea of the 'perfect family.' Students with academic disabilities, those who don’t fit a particular mold, or those from marginalized backgrounds often find themselves pushed out rather than welcomed in. ​

--Zeph Capo
President Texas Federation of Teachers

​Voucher proponents are pulling a veil over our eyes under the guise of Education Savings Accounts or School Choice.  What they fail to mention is that it is not us that have a choice it's the private schools that have the choice. And they will choose as they please.  The good news is that affluent parents who already have kids in private schools are going to be able to receive a discount or rebate–unfortunately on the backs of less fortunate parents.

Defund the Future? The Real Cost of School Vouchers in Texas
We also examined the financial impact of vouchers. Zeph emphasized how vouchers would affect taxes. The answer was clear—property tax increases are inevitable. The cost of educating each student has risen, yet funding for public schools has remained stagnant. Meanwhile, interest groups push for subsidies that further drain public school resources. 
 
Roland Gutiérrez, Texas Senator representing district 19,  didn’t hold back. He reminded us that, in Texas, the GOP has been running education for the past 40 years, and somehow are the loudest voices when it comes to criticizing public education.  Their answer to making amends to compensate for their shortfall is to defund public schools.  This just doesn’t sit right with me and most Texans. All while sitting on a $26 billion rainy-day fund–promising, yet not delivering—meaningful investments in public schools. Not to mention the proposed budget falls short once again, offering $5 billion when they previously promised $6 billion. One thing I know we can all agree on, since Covid, there have been many rainy days. 

Jon Rosenthal, Representative of Texas's 135th district, invited union members into his office for a "no holds barred" meeting.  No questions were off limits. Rosenthal has been very vocal about the shortcomings of the proposed per pupil funding that is significantly inadequate to address the needs of schools and students, in the face of rising inflation and unfunded mandates. “The lack of sufficient funding is seen as a failure to prioritize public education, and Rosenthal has called for immediate action to increase the basic allotment and school safety allotment to ensure schools can provide quality education.” (reformaustin.org).

During the meeting, I asked Rosenthal if the voucher scheme fails this time, will school funding be held hostage.  Will schools be forced to continue to cut programs and staff? Will funding remain tied to the success or failure of the Governor to pass his signature bill?  One would hope not.  It is not fair for private schools to receive public funding while parents in rural areas have limited or no options for private schools or while private schools are not held to the same standards and requirements that public schools are, to receive funding.
 
Investing in Public Schools, Not Privatization 
The fight isn’t just about vouchers. We discussed the need for universal school meals and healthcare, ensuring that every child is fed and healthy enough to learn. Dr. Calvin emphasized a critical truth: You have to Maslow before you can Bloom. In other words, students’ basic needs must be met before they can reach their full academic potential. Investing in HVAC systems, classroom resources, and teacher support isn’t just a policy decision—it’s a moral imperative. How effective would you be at your inside, desk- job while trying to work in Houston’s sweltering heat? Teachers and students shouldn’t be expected to just grin and bear it.
 
The Political and Spiritual Struggle 
Representatives Venton Jones and James Talarico reminded us that Texas has consistently rejected vouchers in the past. History is on our side. Investing in public schools isn’t just a political battle, it’s a spiritual struggle for justice and equity. This lively, spirited meeting of minds was held in a church on the premise of the Texas State Capitol--Apropos.  
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Representative Gene Wu followed with passion and conviction, calling out those who seek to destroy public education while looking down on the very communities they are supposed to serve. HB 2548, introduced by Rep. Cody Harris, aims to target public universities, barring them from offering certain courses related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as part of their curriculum–curriculum that teaches America’s truths. Curriculum that doesn’t exclude entire communities that Harris and others deem as insignificant–and no, I am not referring to blacks only.  His words hit hard. The historical exclusion of Asians from the U.S. until 1965, the erasure of Japanese internment from our history books—these aren’t just past injustices; they are reminders of how easily communities can be marginalized when we don’t stand together. Wu was on fire as he enlightened us with his powerful truths. 

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'What has DEI done to you?' he asked. 'What have trans children done to you? While we’re chasing fake targets, they are taking our jobs and livelihoods!'

​--exclaimed Representative Wu.

​The care and concern the representatives have for their constituents and democracy was on full display at the Texas State Capitol. 

Moving Forward 
As the day ended, I left with a renewed sense of purpose. We already have a system of choice—public education—but it is being undermined by those who seek to profit from our children’s futures. The fight for equitable, fully funded public schools is not just about policy, it’s about the soul of our nation, and ensuring that every child—regardless of zip code, income, or background—has access to a quality education. 

I stand in unity and solidarity with those who believe in public education. There's power in numbers. We will keep fighting for our kids--we will NOT back down. 

–LaTanya Brooks
Educator and Proud Member of AFT

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#PublicSchoolProud   #ProudProductOfPublicSchools   #BlowingTheWhistle   #SaveTexasSchools  #NoVouchersTX    #AFT   #PublicFundsForPublicSchools    #FundOurSchools