Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and many others in the Texas GOP have designated school choice as a priority for the 2023 legislative session. Proponents say parents’ voices aren’t being heard in public school districts across the state, so families should have the option to use state money to fund their children’s education outside the public school system.
But the idea still faces opposition from some rural Republicans and other public education defenders, who cite the lack of access to nonpublic schools in rural communities and the fact that public education is largely a hub of employment in many less-populated areas. But many say that the public education system is indeed struggling, and solutions are needed.
In this Feb. 16 conversation, panelists will talk about the challenges facing our public education system, including learning loss after the pandemic and teacher shortages. We’ll also talk about school choice efforts and how proponents address the concerns that have been raised. Ultimately, are there ways for public education systems and other networks to work together for the betterment of Texas students?
Texas Tribune reporter Brian Lopez will moderate the conversation, which will include Laura Colangelo, the executive director of the Texas Private Schools Association; Scott Muri, the superintendent of the Ector County Independent School District, Michelle Smith, the executive director of Raise Your Hand Texas; and Randan Steinhauser, a partner with Steinhauser Strategies.
The conversation starts at 8 a.m. and will be held in the Tribune’s Studio 919.
Disclosure: Texas Tribune events are supported by corporate sponsors and through contributions from our founding investors and members. Though donors and corporate sponsors underwrite Texas Tribune events, they play no role in determining the content, panelists or line of questioning.
