The Latest Breaking News from Gary VanDeaver

Despite intense political pressure, Republican Rep. Gary VanDeaver said he won’t support a bill that includes school vouchers. Rural Republicans like VanDeaver have long opposed school vouchers because of the unique role public schools they play in their communities.

The outcome was an embarrassment to Gov. Greg Abbott, who spent seven months lobbying two dozen Republicans who signaled opposition to vouchers in April.

Ballotpedia tracked two new state-level candidates in Texas between Aug. 28 and Sept. 3. This was equal to the number of candidates tracked last week. 

The House blocked school vouchers during this year’s regular lawmaking session, but a report released Friday shows some members might be willing to approve a scaled-back version of the program that doesn’t compete with public schools for funds.

Supporters of the measure said it will help the colleges better prepare students for the workforce.

Under this new model, community colleges would receive state funds based on the number of graduates who earn certificates or degrees and the number of students who transfer to four-year universities.

DALLAS — Texas families whose children frequently miss school could face steeper penalties, as some state lawmakers debate bringing back harsher elements of the state’s truancy system.

The COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and burnout have pummeled teachers in the last few years. Lawmakers from both parties agree they should get a pay bump — but it won’t happen without some negotiation.

A commission tasked by the Texas Legislature to recommend new ways to fund community colleges is suggesting the state fund schools based on how successful students are at completing programs in high-demand fields and transferring to universities to continue their education.

Rural Republicans have historically been against diverting public dollars to private schools

Any school choice policy must win over rural Republicans, who have historically been against diverting public dollars to private schools.