Texas Maps $1 Billion Voucher Plan as Schools Face Budget Crunch
Abbott poised to sign school-choice bill after years-long quest
Woodson school district, which serves around 160 students about 150 miles west of Dallas, relies on barebones staffing, with many employees handling multiple roles.
Photographer: Shelby Tauber/BloombergTexas is set to become the largest state to adopt a publicly funded school-choice program, marking a major revamp of its educational system and fulfilling one of Governor Greg Abbott’s top goals.
Abbott is set to sign a bill Saturday that will offer parents money for private schools, directing taxpayer funds to the initiative at a time the state’s public-school districts have been under mounting financial stress.
It’s the culmination of a years-long effort for the governor, who worked with a handful of billionaires to fund challengers to fellow Republicans in the state legislature who warned Texas couldn’t afford the program. As Abbott met with lawmakers before a key vote last month, President Donald Trump called and urged passage of the bill via speakerphone.