The Texas Senate Committee on Education recently voted along party lines to advance Senate Bill 2, a bill promoting school choice. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has publicly stated his expectation that the bill will pass the Senate. While proponents hail this as a victory, it’s crucial to examine the potential consequences of such legislation and understand that “school choice” doesn’t automatically equate to “good choice” for all students.

The premise of school choice is that allowing parents to use public funds to send their children to private schools, religious schools, or other educational options will foster competition and improve educational outcomes. However, the reality is often far more complex, and the potential downsides deserve careful consideration.

• Texas already faces significant challenges in adequately funding its public schools, ranking 39th nationally in per-student spending, with an average of $14,696 spent per student at referenced in the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 Public Elementary-Secondary Education Finance Data.

Diverting further funds through vouchers or similar programs could severely weaken these already strained public schools.

Here’s why “school choice” isn’t always the best choice, especially in the context of the proposed Texas legislation:

• Erosion of Public School Funding: Vouchers or similar programs divert taxpayer dollars away from public schools, which are the foundation of our education system. This siphoning of funds can weaken already under-resourced public schools, particularly in low-income communities. The result can be a further decline in the quality of education available to the majority of students who remain in the public system. This is especially concerning given the existing funding disparities in Texas public education.
• Lack of Accountability: Private schools, unlike public schools, are not subject to the same level of oversight and accountability. They are not required to adhere to the same curriculum standards, testing requirements, or teacher certification protocols. This lack of regulation can leave room for subpar educational experiences and potential misuse of taxpayer funds. Parents may have limited information to assess the quality of education offered by these private institutions.
• Exclusionary Practices: Private schools often have selective admissions processes. They may choose to admit students based on academic performance, religious affiliation, or other criteria. This can lead to a system where the most vulnerable students – those with disabilities, those from low-income families, or those who struggle academically – are left behind in already struggling public schools. School choice, in practice, can become a system that reinforces existing inequalities.
• Limited Transportation Options: For many families, especially those in rural areas or with limited resources, transportation to a chosen school can be a significant barrier. While vouchers might cover tuition, they often don’t address the added costs of transportation, effectively limiting choice to families who can afford it. This further exacerbates existing disparities.
• Lack of Transparency: Private schools are not always transparent about their finances, curriculum, or student outcomes. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for parents to make informed decisions about their children’s education. It also makes it harder to hold these institutions accountable for how they are spending public funds.
• Segregation: School choice programs can contribute to increased segregation, as private schools may perpetuate existing racial, socioeconomic, or religious divisions within communities. This can have long-term negative consequences for both individual students and society as a whole.

The debate surrounding school choice in Texas is complex and nuanced. While the idea of empowering parents to choose the best educational setting for their children sounds appealing, it’s vital to consider the potential consequences. SB2, and similar legislation, raise concerns about the future of public education and the potential to exacerbate existing inequalities. Before moving forward, Texas needs a broader conversation about how to truly support all students and ensure access to high-quality public education for every child, regardless of their zip code or background. Simply offering “choice” without addressing the systemic issues plaguing our education system is not a solution. We must focus on strengthening our public schools, ensuring equitable funding, and addressing the root causes of educational disparities.