The school choice debate in Texas often focuses on parental rights, but a critical element is missing: universal accountability. As the Texas Legislature continues to push for school choice, potentially including private schools receiving taxpayer funding, we must ensure all entities involved in educating Texas children are held accountable. We hear much about universal school choice but significantly less about universal accountability. There’s a reason for this disparity, made starkly clear during debates like that surrounding Texas House Bill 2, where the phrase “there will be no strings attached” to education savings accounts revealed a clear intent to avoid meaningful oversight.
Accountability for All Texas Schools
Public, charter, and private schools receiving taxpayer money in Texas must be transparent about how those funds are used and the quality of education provided. Accountability must include financial and governance transparency, ensuring responsible spending within Texas communities.
Teachers, administrators, governance boards, and Texas politicians play a role in children’s education and must be accountable for their actions and decisions, prioritizing students’ best interests. With the potential expansion of education savings accounts in Texas, parents using these funds must also be accountable for how the money is spent.
Why Universal Accountability Matters for Texas Children
Texas taxpayers deserve to know that their money is effectively used to educate children, regardless of school type. Accountability measures ensure all Texas schools meet minimum standards and provide a quality education, regardless of funding source. Universal accountability levels the playing field, ensuring all Texas children have access to quality education irrespective of background or zip code. It builds trust in the Texas education system and fosters collaboration between parents, educators, and policymakers.
Accountability protects Texas students from abuse, neglect, and discrimination. It empowers Texas families with information to make informed decisions about their children’s education, including transparency regarding disciplinary policies, safety protocols, and student support services.
The Public Trust and Private Schools in Texas
While private schools in Texas often resist what they perceive as public intrusion into their operations, accepting public funds necessitates both the expectation and the reality of compliance. Texas taxpayer dollars come with the responsibility of transparency and accountability. Private schools that choose to accept these funds in Texas must understand and comply with these requirements. The “no strings attached” mentality, as exemplified by debates like those surrounding HB2, undermines this fundamental principle and prioritizes private autonomy over the public good of Texas children.
Moving Forward in Texas
As the school choice debate continues in Texas, we must prioritize universal accountability. We must demand transparency from all Texas schools receiving taxpayer funding—how they spend money, student academic outcomes, and student safety and well-being policies. We must support policies in Texas holding all educational entities and individuals accountable, including clear mechanisms for reporting and investigating misconduct. We must demand that elected officials in Texas prioritize accountability to protect children’s best interests, safety, and well-being within the school choice system.
Conclusion
The school choice debate in Texas is complex, but universal accountability is essential. By holding all stakeholders accountable, we can ensure every Texas child has access to a quality education, is protected from harm, and that families have the necessary information and support. Quality should be the goal, and quality requires accountability and oversight. We cannot assume that public money going to private schools in Texas without strings attached will provide students with quality, suitable, and safe options. Let’s make universal accountability the cornerstone of our Texas education system.
