Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath expressed uncertainty about the potential consequences of a federal ban on the Department of Education for Texas schools during a legislative hearing. Morath acknowledged the lack of clarity surrounding the impact of such a move and emphasized the need to examine any proposed legislation carefully. He also addressed concerns about school districts facing budget deficits and potential closures, attributing these challenges partially to the elimination of discretionary federal funds. These remarks come amid ongoing debates about public education funding and oversight in the Texas legislature.
Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath expressed uncertainty about the potential repercussions of a federal ban on the Department of Education on Texas schools. During a Monday hearing with lawmakers, Morath acknowledged that the impact of such a move remains unclear, stating, 'I don't think we would know, I would wait to see what act of Congress is filed on that.
' Senator Judith Zaffirini, a Democrat from Laredo, inquired about Morath's stance on a potential ban on the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Morath responded with a chuckle, remarking that such a scenario would eliminate state oversight over public education.Morath also addressed concerns raised by Senator Royce West, a Democrat, regarding school districts facing budget deficits and potential closures. He acknowledged that these challenges are prevalent, stating, 'We've seen the same thing,' and noting that voters often hold both him and local officials accountable for funding shortfalls. Morath attributed the issue partly to the elimination of certain discretionary federal funds, which were used to mitigate inflationary costs. He emphasized that the loss of these funds has significantly impacted school budgets.These comments come at a time when public education, its funding, and oversight are prominent topics in the Texas legislature. Governor Greg Abbott has called for 'fully funding public education,' but stopped short of advocating for increased per-student funding in his recent State of the State address.While Texas technically ranks in the bottom half of states regarding per-student funding based on the basic allotment, lawmakers have made substantial investments in school safety and teacher incentives. Texas Republicans intend to prioritize significant teacher salary increases during this legislative session after failing to do so last year.The Senate Appropriations Committee's Monday hearing focused on the proposed Senate budget, which allocates an $11.7 billion increase to the TEA, representing a nearly 20% year-over-year growth. Republicans, led by Governor Abbott, have also championed a plan to redirect taxpayer funds towards private education, termed 'school choice' by proponents and 'school vouchers' by opponents. The Texas Senate passed this plan last week largely along party lines.Legislative budget analysts have noted that while the legislature has allocated $1 billion for a 'school choice' program, this funding will be separate from public school funding. Democrats have challenged this distinction, arguing that this billion-dollar investment could be better utilized to enhance public schools
TEXAS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SCHOOL FUNDING SCHOOL CHOICE PUBLIC EDUCATION
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former TN Dept. of Education Commissioner tapped for U.S. Deputy Secretary of EducationNASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The former Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner has been tapped to be the next U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education.
Read more »
Former TN Dept. of Education Commissioner tapped for U.S. Deputy Secretary of EducationNASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The former Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner has been tapped to be the next U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education.
Read more »
Former TN Dept. of Education Commissioner tapped for U.S. Deputy Secretary of EducationNASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The former Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner has been tapped to be the next U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education.
Read more »
Former TN Dept. of Education Commissioner tapped for U.S. Deputy Secretary of EducationNASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The former Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner has been tapped to be the next U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education.
Read more »
Former TN Dept. of Education Commissioner tapped for U.S. Deputy Secretary of EducationNASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The former Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner has been tapped to be the next U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education.
Read more »
Former TN Dept. of Education Commissioner tapped for U.S. Deputy Secretary of EducationNASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The former Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner has been tapped to be the next U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education.
Read more »