Author: Jason Carter

Jason Carter is the founder of the Texas Messenger and a dedicated advocate for public education in the Lone Star State. With extensive experience as a Texas school teacher, special education teacher, coach, principal, and school superintendent, Jason brings invaluable insights to his work. His deep understanding of the education system's challenges and triumphs informs his efforts to empower and engage the community. Through the Texas Messenger, Jason continues to champion the cause of public education, believing in the power of knowledge and advocacy to drive meaningful change.

School Vouchers Were Supposed to Save Taxpayer Money. Instead They Blew a Massive Hole in Arizona’s Budget

PROPUBLICA – Arizona, the model for voucher programs across the country, has spent so much money paying private schoolers’ tuition that it’s now facing hundreds of millions in budget cuts to critical state programs and projects.

There is no mandate.

THERE IS NO MANDATE. We keep hearing that voters overwhelmingly want school choice. The numbers being used are selective and do not show the whole picture. Take a look and SHARE with everyone, everywhere.

Texas judge orders sheriff, school district to release Uvalde school shooting records

TEXAS TRIBUNE – A group of news organizations including The Texas Tribune had sued for access to the records and now the records will be released.

College Station ISD School Board Members Approve Pay Increases By Spending Money From The District’s Savings

WTAW – College Station ISD school board members decide to spend another $2 million dollars out of the district’s savings account for pay raises in the soon to start school year.

Bender named Executive Director of Texas School Coalition

Missy Bender, a former school board President and a trusted advocate for public education in Texas, has been named the new Executive Director of the Texas School Coalition.

Registering Comments for Upcoming Texas House Public Education Hearing

The Texas House Committee on Public Education will hold public hearings on August 12-13, 2024. One of the topics is education savings accounts. To register your comments electronically, you can visit https://comments.house.texas.gov/home?c=c400

Comptroller Says Texas Has Money

The Texas Comptroller, Glenn Hegar, sent a letter to the Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Dan Patrick, Texas Speaker of the House, Dan Phelan, and members of the 88th Texas Legislature layout out the current state of monies in Texas. To put it simply, Texas has money!

School vouchers were supposed to save taxpayer money. They blew a hole in Arizona’s budget

DALLAS MORNING NEWS – Arizona, the model for school choice programs nationwide, spent so much money paying private schoolers’ tuition that it’s now facing hundreds of millions in budget cuts to critical state programs and projects.

88th Legislative Committees by Ratings

In Texas, public policy begins its journey in legislative committees, with education policy specifically initiated in the Texas House Committee on Public Education and the Texas Senate Committee on Education. Both committees consist of elected representatives dedicated to shaping the future of education in the state.

The hidden impact of underfunding on Central Texas school districts

COMMUNITY IMPACT – While Gov. Greg Abbott is sharing news that Texas will kick off the 89th Legislative Session in January 2025 with an estimated $20 billion budget surplus, school districts across the state are running out of funds and preparing to file deficit budgets for the 2024-2025 school year.