Time to expand school choice
Expanding school choice would give many families the options they want for their children’s education. It could also help alleviate some state and local education funding problems.
The lingering recession is affecting many Texas public schools, which are battling revenue shortfalls. Many have been loath to raise their tax rates, since property owners, who are dealing with their own economic problems, have made it clear they can ill afford higher tax bills.
Many families clearly would prefer to opt out of the public school systems entirely.
The Texas Education Agency has told school districts they need to trim their budgets by a combined $260 million to deal with projected shortfalls. The state last week formally asked for its share of federal “stimulus” money — projected to be around $830 million — even though its receipt is uncertain since Gov. Rick Perry announced he can’t promise to maintain education and social funding levels the bill demands of this state. He doesn’t have the legal authority to make such promises. Only the legislature does, and it is constitutionally bound to maintain a balanced budget.
And now… the rest of the story. …..
Harold
