From Texastribune · · 2m
Texas Democrats Plan Major K-12 Education Shift
Texas Democrats vow to overhaul public schools, ending state takeovers and voucher programs by 2025.
In brief
Texas Democrats vow to overhaul public schools, ending state takeovers and voucher programs by 2025. Texas Governor Gina Hinojosa will eliminate state takeovers and voucher programs, replacing them with public school focus by 2025. Originally reported by Texastribune.
New Governor Takes Office
Gina Hinojosa, the first Democrat to win Texas governor’s seat since 1990, pledged to remove Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath from his role on her first day in office.
“We are taking our children’s education back from a government that has failed them”
Ending State Takeovers
Hinojosa pledged to stop state takeovers of public school districts, which have replaced superintendents and appointed managers since 2023.
Eliminating STAAR Tests
Hinojosa opposes the Student Success Tool, a new set of shorter tests replacing STAAR for grades 3-8 and high school students by 2025.
Voucher Program Changes
Texas’ $1 billion school voucher program, which provides up to $10,500 annually for private school families, faces potential elimination under Hinojosa’s leadership.
State Board of Education Shift
Democrats gained control of the 15-member State Board of Education, which previously approved Bible readings and downplayed American slavery in lessons.
Texas Attorney General
The Texas Attorney General’s office, led by a Democrat for the first time since 1994, will investigate public schools for compliance with Ten Commandments poster laws.
Appointing New Commissioner
Hinojosa must appoint a new Texas Education Agency commissioner who will be confirmed by the Senate, with a potential vacancy if approval fails.
Voucher Program Funding
Hinojosa can veto future voucher legislation and use line-item veto power to eliminate funding for education savings accounts from state budgets.
School Voucher Impact
Home-schoolers and children with disabilities could lose up to $2,000 and $30,000 annually under the voucher program’s current rules.
State Takeovers Timeline
For districts under state takeovers, a new commissioner could replace appointed board managers and allow elected trustees to return after three years.
Education Policy Shift
Texas Democrats aim to refocus education priorities on public schools, ending state takeovers and voucher programs by 2025.
The main idea
Texas Governor Gina Hinojosa will eliminate state takeovers and voucher programs, replacing them with public school focus by 2025.
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