The Brazosport ISD Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a resolute stand against school vouchers, education savings accounts, taxpayer savings grants, and any other mechanisms that could potentially reduce public education funding.
The adopted resolution underscores the critical importance of public education in the State of Texas. It draws attention to the Texas Constitution, which mandates that the Texas Legislature must establish and provide for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools.
The resolution points out that Texas public school districts have an inclusive approach, accepting every student, and highlights the concern that education savings accounts and similar voucher schemes may give private schools, rather than parents, the right to choose. Public schools are also noted for their adherence to state-mandated academic and financial accountability standards, whereas private schools are not held to the same academic standards and are not required to report test results, graduation rates, and other performance measures to the public.
"Public education is the cornerstone of our society, providing equal opportunities for all students. We are committed to upholding the Texas Constitution's mandate to maintain an efficient system of public free schools. By opposing school vouchers, we safeguard transparency, accountability, and parental rights in our public education system," BISD Superintendent Danny Massey stated.
One of the key concerns raised in the resolution is that education savings accounts and similar voucher schemes eliminates public accountability of schools and tax dollars, and compromises the transparency the use of taxpayer funds. Additionally, the resolution emphasizes that Texas parents who accept a voucher could lose out on several important parental rights, especially protections for students receiving special education services, which are outlined in the Texas state education code and federal law.
The resolution concludes with a call to action, urging the Texas Legislature to reject any diversion of public dollars to private entities in the form of education savings accounts and similar voucher schemes.
