Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
Vote No on Vouchers
RECEIVED Tue., Oct. 3, 2023
Dear Editor,
Although our Texas Constitution explicitly guarantees a “provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools," Governor Abbott has called a special session in yet another attempt to ram through school voucher legislation, holding teacher pay raises and public school funding hostage to appease his billionaire mega-donors and their Christian-nationalist agenda.
As veteran public school teacher of 30 years, I fear the voucher system will result in the underfunding of public schools, inadequate compensation of teachers, and demise of esteemed public school traditions.
Private schools aren't subjected to federal laws protecting students with disabilities.
“School choice” has long been a whistle call for school segregation – in which affluent, mostly white, parents are subsidized for sending their children to private schools.
In rural counties, Friday Night Lights will become a remnant of the past with vouchers. There is nothing like the smell of popcorn popping, the triumphant sound of the marching band, the vibrant colors of the drill team and cheerleaders, and the roar of an excited crowd. I loved it when I was in high school 40 years ago, and I still enjoy going to the stadium and supporting the team, even as an empty nester.
Please urge your state legislators to stand firm and say NO to vouchers and save our beloved Texas schools and the traditions we hold dear.
Find your Texas state representatives here.
Although our Texas Constitution explicitly guarantees a “provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools," Governor Abbott has called a special session in yet another attempt to ram through school voucher legislation, holding teacher pay raises and public school funding hostage to appease his billionaire mega-donors and their Christian-nationalist agenda.
As veteran public school teacher of 30 years, I fear the voucher system will result in the underfunding of public schools, inadequate compensation of teachers, and demise of esteemed public school traditions.
Private schools aren't subjected to federal laws protecting students with disabilities.
“School choice” has long been a whistle call for school segregation – in which affluent, mostly white, parents are subsidized for sending their children to private schools.
In rural counties, Friday Night Lights will become a remnant of the past with vouchers. There is nothing like the smell of popcorn popping, the triumphant sound of the marching band, the vibrant colors of the drill team and cheerleaders, and the roar of an excited crowd. I loved it when I was in high school 40 years ago, and I still enjoy going to the stadium and supporting the team, even as an empty nester.
Please urge your state legislators to stand firm and say NO to vouchers and save our beloved Texas schools and the traditions we hold dear.
Find your Texas state representatives here.
Becky Villarreal, Cedar Park
