The 89th Legislature made history this session with major changes to Texas public education, including a new school voucher program and the largest-ever permanent teacher pay raise. But advocates warn that while progress was made, key challenges—from funding gaps to outdated testing—remain unresolved.
Vouchers Pass After Years of Debate
After long-standing bipartisan opposition, Texas approved a school voucher program, allowing some families to use state funds for private education. Supporters argue it expands parental choice, but critics fear it will primarily benefit families already enrolled in private schools.
Lawmakers included safeguards in Senate Bill 2 to limit the program’s size, but questions linger over whether future legislatures will keep those protections or expand vouchers further.
$8.5B School Funding Boost Falls Short of Needs
The legislature’s $8.5 billion investment in public schools includes record teacher raises, offering relief to educators and cash-strapped districts. However, experts note that inflation has eroded school budgets since 2019—requiring nearly $19.6 billion just to maintain past funding levels.
“This helps, but it doesn’t solve the problem,” said one analyst. Many districts will still face tough financial decisions.
Missed Opportunity: STAAR Reform Stalls
Late in the session, hopes rose that Texas might replace the controversial STAAR test with a more flexible assessment system. But House Bill 4, which proposed alternative accountability measures, died in committee—leaving students and teachers under the same testing framework.
Call for Continued Bipartisan Efforts
Despite the setbacks, education advocates praised lawmakers for collaboration across party lines. Texas’ strong economy and sizable rainy day fund suggest the state could do more, they argue.
“This session was a start, not the finish,” said Raise Your Hand Texas, a nonprofit advocating for public schools. “We must keep working toward stronger, fairer schools for every child.”
As the impact of these changes unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Texas can turn this year’s progress into lasting improvements for its students.
