Is Greg Abbott Out of Touch on Education?

Governor Greg Abbott’s push for school vouchers in Texas faces strong opposition from educators, parents, and even some rural Republicans. Despite overwhelming public resistance, Abbott continues to champion a policy that would divert public school funding to private schools, leaving rural and low-income families with fewer educational options. The question is: does Abbott really understand what Texans want for their schools?

What Are School Vouchers?

School vouchers are government-funded scholarships that allow parents to enroll their children in private schools instead of public schools. Supporters claim that vouchers offer more choices and encourage competition. However, research shows that vouchers often reduce funding for public schools and do not consistently improve academic outcomes.

In states like Indiana and Louisiana, students using vouchers to attend private schools have performed worse in math and reading than their public school peers (Chalkbeat). Despite promises of higher achievement, studies have shown that school choice programs do not guarantee better education.

The Pros and Cons of School Vouchers

Pros:

  • Parents can choose schools that fit their values or educational preferences.
  • Some argue that competition forces schools to improve.

Cons:

  • Diverts funding from public schools, reducing resources for most students who remain in the public school system (Brookings).
  • Private schools are not required to accept all students, which can leave special education and lower-income students behind.
  • Vouchers rarely cover the full cost of private tuition, leaving low-income families without access to better schools (NEA).

How Do School Vouchers Impact Public Schools?

One of the biggest concerns about school vouchers is their impact on public school funding. Public schools rely on state and local funding based on student enrollment. Funding is reduced when students leave for private schools, but costs remain the same. Schools must still pay for teachers, facilities, and programs, but with less money.

A major expansion of school vouchers in Arizona has led to a significant financial shortfall, forcing lawmakers to scramble to cover the gap (Arizona Republic). Wisconsin’s voucher program has also drained millions from public schools while benefiting private institutions with little accountability (Economic Policy Institute).

Why Rural Texans Are Opposed to Vouchers

Rural communities are especially vulnerable under a voucher system. Private schools are scarce or nonexistent in many rural areas, meaning vouchers offer no real benefit. Meanwhile, the loss of funding hurts the local public schools that these communities rely on. Even rural Republican lawmakers in Texas have pushed back against Abbott’s plan, recognizing that their constituents stand to lose the most (Texas Tribune).

Texans Don’t Want School Vouchers

Polling consistently shows that Texans do not support school vouchers, especially those in rural areas. Most Texas students rely on public schools, yet Texas already ranks 43rd in per-student spending nationwide (Education Data Initiative). Diverting money away from an already underfunded system makes no sense.

Instead of improving public schools, Abbott’s plan shifts tax dollars to private entities with little oversight. A better approach would be to increase funding for teacher salaries, reduce classroom sizes, and expand educational resources for all students.

Take Action: Contact Your Elected Officials

If you oppose school vouchers and want to protect public schools, now is the time to act. Contact your Texas representatives, governor, and state legislators and tell them to reject Greg Abbott’s school voucher plan.

How to Contact Your Officials:

School vouchers are bad for Texas students, teachers, and taxpayers. Make your voice heard today.