Across the Lawn – April 7, 2023
Raise Your Hand Texas has a front-row seat to the Capitol. From our vantage point, public education policy issues have never been more important, and this is why we must make every session a...
The Ripple Effect of Increasing the Basic Allotment in Texas
Three school funding challenges, one solution The public education system in Texas is one of the largest in the nation, with more than 1,200 school districts and public charter schools and just under 9,000...
Across The Lawn Feb. 3, 2023
Raise Your Hand Texas has a front-row seat to the Capitol. From our vantage point, public education policy issues have never been more important, and this is why we must make every session a...
What to Expect During the 2023 Texas Legislative Session
Every two years the Texas Legislature meets to pass new laws impacting our state, including public schools. The legislative session lasts only 140 days beginning on the second Tuesday of January, and the 88th...
Issues with Virtual Schools Resurface as School Year Starts
Like most Texans, educators were hoping for a relatively normal start to the school year. But the explosive growth in Delta variant infections has increased demand for remote learning options, leaving schools scrambling because...
Who Vouchers Hurt — and Where School Choice Really Works
Through the passing of House Bill 3 last session, lawmakers committed to increase funding for public schools. However, the pandemic has presented major budget challenges for public schools, and districts can’t afford to lose...
It’s Time to Ensure Stability for Our Public Schools
Like a steady stool needs three strong legs, our schools need Texas leadership to follow through on three simple commitments. They say a productive life is all about balance. And all of us, including...
Texas Schools Show Resiliency Through Yet Another Crisis
It was just after midnight when the phone rang. The winter storm had knocked out power, causing rolling blackouts across Waxahachie — and across Texas. A local nursing home lost power and didn’t have...
Pre-K: The Essential Pandemic Response
There’s a New Reason to Preserve Early Childhood Investments There was no shortage of media coverage when the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 3 in 2019, investing $5 billion to strengthen public education. Part...
There’s Enough Money to Fully Fund Public Education
Here's some simple back-of-the-envelope math Today, state lawmakers gaveled in the first day of the 87th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature. The multi-billion dollar question now before legislators: How much money does the...
