By james art State Representative Dustin Burroughs’ recent comments equating educational associations to “gangs” couldn’t be further from the truth. These groups are simply advocating for Texas public schools and families by refusing to accept funding that comes with harmful conditions. If anything, Burroughs and his voucher-pushing colleagues look more like hard-nosed door-to-door salesmen, repeatedly pitching a product that Texans aren’t buying. Despite clear public opposition and disastrous results in other states, they continue to try to “sell” Texans on defunding our public schools in favor of risky voucher schemes.
Our educators, administrators and families know that what our public schools need isn’t a voucher plan — it’s consistent, reliable funding that supports teachers, expands resources and improves opportunities for students. As I shared in a previous post after speaking with State Representative Carl Tepper, one of the main reasons school budgets are so thin is the burden of unfunded mandates from the state. When lawmakers make education funding contingent on the acceptance of vouchers, they divert resources that should go directly to our students and educators. Burroughs and company have yet to offer any real solutions. Funding based on enrollment rather than attendance? No. Financing that keeps up with inflation? No chance.
Lubbock ISD is one of many districts facing financial strain due to unfunded mandates and inconsistent state support. For example, House Bill 3 promised teacher pay raises, but the appropriations do not cover long-term cost increases, forcing districts to stretch already thin budgets. Instead of pandering to insults, our representatives should be asking why our public schools remain underfunded — and what we can do to fix it.
One of the few truths Burroughs highlighted was the declining population in Lubbock ISD as it became an inner-city district, as well as their hasty proposal to address the budget deficit. But he conveniently ignores the legislative role he played in creating that deficit by failing to increase the per-student allotment enough to cover inflation over the past five years. While I believe the district could and should have done a better job of implementing cost-saving measures to both school staff and the public, the blame lies squarely with the governor and the state legislature.
Our public schools are essential to the future of Texas, and the people who work in them deserve respect, not attacks. We need thoughtful, collaborative solutions that include overhauling funding formulas and addressing unfunded mandates so our schools can thrive and provide opportunities for all students. What does not help the situation, however, is the mislabeling of dedicated professionals as “gangs” because it distracts parents and voters from the real problem, which is our state’s inconsistent commitment to fully fund education.
Morgan Kirkpatrick is the Democratic candidate for the Texas State Board of Education, District 15, in the November general election.