In a bold move, the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) trustees have unanimously voted to urge the Texas Legislature to boost funding for public schools. This request aims to address the pressing needs of teacher raises and safety measures within the district. However, the trustees' demands extend beyond just financial support, as they also seek to hold any school receiving taxpayer funding accountable for student outcomes, fiscal performance, and transparency.

Navigating the Contentious Landscape of School Choice

The Evolving Debate over Education Savings Accounts

The push for increased funding comes amidst a contentious debate over the future of education in Texas. Republican state leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott, have made it a priority to create a voucher-like program known as education savings accounts (ESAs). These ESAs would allow families to use public dollars to pay for private school tuition, a move that has raised concerns among public school advocates.

Despite Abbott's previous failure to secure enough votes for such a program during the last legislative session, the changing political landscape after the November election may provide him with a better opportunity to achieve this goal. The governor remains adamant that parents need a school choice plan that empowers them to select the best campus for their children.

However, many public school advocates worry that the implementation of ESAs will result in a drain of resources from the districts that educate the vast majority of Texas students. DISD trustee Dan Micciche expressed this concern, stating, "Many of us are still opposed to vouchers. Many of us see that vouchers, you know, are becoming a more likely possibility than they had been in the past."

Demanding Accountability for All Schools

In response to the growing likelihood of ESAs, DISD trustees have added a crucial demand to their legislative priorities: any school that receives public funds, whether public or private, should be held accountable for student outcomes, fiscal performance, and compliance with open records laws.

This stance reflects the trustees' desire to ensure that all schools receiving taxpayer money are held to the same standards of accountability. Public schools in Texas are currently graded on their students' performance on standardized tests, with consequences for repeated failures. In contrast, private schools are not subject to the state's A-through-F accountability system.

By pushing for this level of accountability, DISD is seeking to create a more equitable educational landscape, where all institutions receiving public funding are held to the same rigorous standards. This move aims to protect the interests of the vast majority of Texas students who attend public schools, while also ensuring that any alternative options are held to the same high expectations.

Addressing the Funding Challenges

Beyond the debate over school choice and accountability, DISD's legislative priorities also focus on the pressing need for increased funding for public schools. The district's trustees have highlighted the fact that the Texas Legislature has not increased the base per-student amount it provides to districts since 2019, despite new mandates for spending and the impact of high inflation.

In response to this funding stagnation, districts across the state have been forced to make difficult decisions, such as cutting staff positions, closing campuses, and dipping into their reserves. DISD's legislative priority document states, "To maintain the vitally important investment of preparing Texas' workforce, future school funding allotments should be tied to the rate of inflation."

In addition to a boost in the basic allotment, DISD leaders are also seeking more state funding for pre-K, teacher salaries, and safety measures. These requests reflect the district's commitment to providing a well-rounded and secure educational experience for its students, even in the face of budgetary constraints.

Advocating for the Future of Texas Education

The DISD trustees' actions represent a bold and multifaceted approach to addressing the challenges facing public education in Texas. By simultaneously pushing for increased funding, demanding accountability for all schools receiving public dollars, and navigating the contentious debate over school choice, the district is positioning itself as a leading voice in the ongoing fight to ensure the success and well-being of Texas students.

As the Texas Legislature prepares to convene, the DISD's legislative priorities will undoubtedly be at the forefront of the education policy discussions. The district's unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality, equitable, and accountable education system for all students serves as a powerful example of the kind of advocacy needed to secure the future of public education in the state.