The San Antonio Report commentary provides space for the community to share perspectives and provides solutions to subtract local issues. The views expressed in this commentary belong to the authors only.
School choices are almost real in Texas and cannot come anytime soon.
The Texas Legislature is considering House Bill 3. House Building 3 creates the biggest day one school selection program ever and will go a long way to help families like me. Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott predicted that school choices would pass in early April, and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz visited Austin to highlight how important it is to get the job done. Last Thursday, the House Public Education Committee voted to move the bill forward.
This news is very welcome for families like me. As a parent of a child with Down Syndrome, I have firsthand experience of how the public school system has failed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. My child struggled for years with a system that was not equipped to provide the support he needed, and missed out on frustration and opportunities for growth.
I have been very supportive of expanding school choices in Texas and I was excited that Senator Cruz has launched a prominent advertising campaign in support of it. Over the years, too many lawmakers have ignored calls from Texans like me about school choices, but the tide is finally turning. It’s time.
Families with special needs students always benefit from having more options. Sometimes options within the public school system are not sufficient. After exhausting all the options within the public school system, we made the difficult decision to enroll our children in private schools specializing in individual education. Differences were life-changing. My child is currently thriving and with an educator who understands her needs and provides the resources she needs to succeed.
Passing the School Choice Act will mark an important step in addressing the challenges faced by families like me. Proposals from the Capitol and the Senate allow families to spend more than $10,000 on a variety of pre-approved education costs. Families can choose tuition fees at private schools and spend money on homeschooling costs, personalized tuition, transportation, and special needs treatments. For students with special needs, this amount can be even higher. This level of support can create a world of global differences for those of us who have struggled to find the right educational environment within the public school system.
The bill is moving around homes in Texas and has enough co-sponsors to pass. Our representatives demonstrate courage in the face of the current state of education and encourage us to recognize the transformational potential of this program for students across the state, especially students with disabilities.
The promotion of school choice acknowledges the fundamental truths I have experienced firsthand. Every child is unique and deserves education tailored to their individual needs. From my child’s journey to struggling in a versatile public school environment, my journey to thriving in a professional private environment is a testament to the power of educational choice. By allowing parents to make decisions about their children’s education, we can ensure that more students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
As a parent who navigated both public and private systems, I can prove the need for alternatives. Public schools play an important role in our educational ecosystem, but we are unable to meet the diverse needs of all students, especially students with disabilities, at any time. The claim that students with special needs do not benefit from having another tool in their toolbox is based on ignorance. The Education Savings Account Program is not intended to dismantle public education. It expands opportunities for all students, especially those currently underserved.
The journey to raising a child with Down syndrome taught me the importance of adaptability and personalized support in education. The proposed ESA programme embodies these principles and provides a pathway for all children to receive an education that recognizes their individual strengths and challenges. It’s not just about choosing a school. It is to give every child the opportunity to succeed on their own terms.
That’s why I urge my Texas home to follow the Senate lead and pass this important law. Create an educational environment where all children can thrive, regardless of their abilities or background. The future of Texas relies on fostering the potential of all children, and the ESA program is a key step in achieving that goal.
