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“Trust, but Verify”: What's at Stake for Texas Public Schools.
President Ronald Reagan’s advice to “trust, but verify” feels particularly relevant in today’s debates on public education in Texas. In a recent op-ed, State Rep. Glenn Rogers called attention to misleading claims and critical challenges affecting public schools, particularly regarding the push for school vouchers.
Rep. Rogers pointed out that while marketed as expanding school choice, vouchers would inevitably drain resources from public schools—especially during lean budget years. He highlighted the real-world impact on rural communities, where over 150 counties lack a single private school. Under a voucher system, rural taxpayers would fund private education options that are largely unavailable in their communities, leading to significant inequities in access and resources.
Furthermore, Rogers underscored the importance of local control in education. Groups like the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) are vital in supporting elected school boards and facilitating collaboration among districts. Efforts to undermine TASB weaken the community-driven governance that has long defined Texas schools.
As we advocate for Texas public schools, we must demand transparent, long-term solutions that prioritize students over politics. Rep. Rogers’ insights remind us that education policy must be grounded in sustainability, fairness, and accountability.
Read the November e-newsletter HERE