Governor Greg Abbott laid out a plan to offer school vouchers during a roundtable discussion in Dallas Thursday. Abbott is running for a third term and met with parents and leadership at The King's Academy.
"What we are pointing out today is the reality that must be recognized by everyone, and that is parents know far best about what schools are best for them," Abbott said.
Abbott said he heard from parents and teachers who say the ability to attend a specific school has given kids a more complete education including their needs in the classroom along with emotional and social development.
"Some schools may provide a one-size-fits all approach to educating our kids," Abbott said. "The fact of the matter is different kids need different programs."
"The King's Academy faculty and staff have created a learning environment that helps each child reach their full potential spiritually, cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically," said Head of Schools Shailendra Thomas.
Thomas said a school choice measure would provide more equity for families in southern Dallas to be able to choose their kids' "educational experience."
"Education should ultimately prepare you to become successful Kingdom citizens who are not only prepared to make an impact in their local communities but eventually an impact on the global stage," Thomas said.
Abbott said the legislature would have to "hammer out the details" on how to ensure state funds given to a parochial school are not used to endorse a particular religion. He said accountability measures to ensure students' progress would stay in place.
"Our goal as state leaders is to do the best job possible to ensure our children will be as best educated as possible," Abbott said. "The best way to achieve that goal is to empower parents. That parent needs the ability to find the right school and the right fit for their child so their child will learn and excel in school and then excel in life."
Abbott said the legislature has provided teachers their second biggest raise in state history and says the state now provides more school funding per student than ever before.
Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke said teachers are making $7,500 less than the national average, and he would "reject any effort to take your public tax dollars out of your schools."
"As governor, I will fully fund public schools and fully support teachers, students, and parents," O'Rourke wrote in his education position on his website.
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