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Why Do We Have Public Schools?

We might not ask the question often enough—why do public schools exist? Amid political debates, budget concerns, and the inevitable challenges that schools face, it's easy to forget the "why." But as we approach another election season, it feels like the perfect time to remind ourselves of the bigger picture.


Public schools are the great equalizer.


No matter who you are, where you come from, or what your family earns, public schools are designed to give every child the opportunity to learn. No other school options are required by law to accept every student.  In Texas, this is especially important. Our public schools serve millions of students from every corner of the state, representing a variety  of cultures, backgrounds, household incomes, and experiences. Without public schools, many children, a majority of Texas children, —especially those from low-income families—would be left uneducated. This is the inconvenient truth voucher proponents either do not understand, or worse, they do. 


In fact, the Texas Constitution, Article 7, Section 1, affirms this commitment, stating: "A general diffusion of knowledge being essential to the preservation of the liberties and rights of the people, it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools." Public education isn’t just a service—it's a legislative responsibility embedded in the very foundation of our state.


Essential Hubs 


Public schools are more than places of learning; they're the heart of many communities. Think about it—how many community events, after-school programs, and family resources revolve around your local school? Especially in Texas, public schools have stepped up to provide for their communities in times of need. During the pandemic, many schools became essential hubs for food distribution and social services, showing just how deeply connected they are to the well-being of families.


Historically, this sense of community responsibility is deeply ingrained. John Adams once wrote: “The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people and must be willing to bear the expenses of it.” Public schools are a shared investment, maintained not by charitable individuals, but by the collective efforts of the people.”


Preparing for the Future


In today’s fast-paced world, we expect a lot from our schools. They’re not just preparing students for the next grade—they're preparing them for life. Educators in Texas public schools are working hard to ensure students leave high school ready to take on whatever comes next, whether college, a career, or the military. Programs that connect high school students with certifications, college credits, and career opportunities give kids a head start on their future.


The Center on Education Policy lists several core purposes of public education, which include:  

  • Providing universal access to free education  

  • Guaranteeing equal opportunities for all children  

  • Unifying a diverse population  

  • Preparing people for citizenship in a democratic society  

  • Preparing people to become economically self-sufficient  

  • Improving social conditions  


Texas Public Schools are Making Strides 


It's easy to get caught up in the challenges. Teacher shortages, budget cuts, and overcrowded classrooms are real issues that need attention. But let’s not lose sight of the good. By every measure, Texas public schools have made great strides over the last century and especially in recent decades.


Did you know the state's graduation rate is holding steady at nearly 90% and that Texas consistently ranks among the top 8 states in graduation rates? That's something to be proud of (link to our data point), especially in light of the significant challenges Texas students and educators face, including one of the highest percentages of students who live in poverty, who come from a single parent home, and who come to school with limited or no English at all. This is complicated by the fact that Texas politicians would rather play politics with our schools than fund them. 


Let’s not abandon a system that has fueled Texas exceptionalism for nearly 200 years. Rather, let’s continue to invest our time, talent, and treasure to ensure they continue to improve, and evolve, with each passing year. 



Why Do We Have Public Schools and Why Do We Pay School Taxes?


As Friends of Texas Public Schools Founder, Scott Milder puts it: “We don’t pay school taxes to educate our own children. School taxes are not collected for the private good of the individual, but for the public good of all.” This is a powerful reminder that public schools serve not just individual students, but the community and society as a whole.


Public schools are more than just education; they’re about community, opportunity, and preparing every child for a bright future. They are the bedrock of our society, ensuring that no matter where you come from, you have “access to an efficient system of free public schools”. The Texas Constitution does not say each Texan should have access to government sponsored tuition coupons to attend a private school. It also does not say that private schools must admit any child that walks through their doors. In fact, the Texas Constitution does not reference private schools at all. Nor should it. 


When we advocate for public schools, we aren’t just fighting for better funding or policies. We’re standing up for every child in Texas who deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. Let’s continue to be friends of public schools and remember that by supporting them, investing in them, wrapping our arms around them, helping them get better and better, we’re shaping the future—for all of us.

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