What Education Leaders Are Saying About Governor Abbott’s Plan To Reform School Finance
Council For A Strong America’s Joe McMahan: “We appreciate Governor Abbott’s thoughtful approach and long-range planning for school finance that was addressed during the State of the State.” “We appreciate Governor Abbott’s thoughtful approach and long-range planning for school finance that was addressed during the State of the State. His recommendation to invest more in early childhood education will play a vital role in not only increasing academic achievement for Texas students, but also will help ensure that our great state continues to be competitive and prosperous in the future.” (Joe McMahan, Texas State Director, Council For A Strong America, 2/5/19)
Austin Independent School District’s Nicole Conley: “We thank Governor Abbott, Speaker Bonnen and the legislature for building on the work of the school finance commission to address one of the most important and formidable issues facing Texas: how the state funds education.” “We thank Governor Abbott, Speaker Bonnen and the legislature for building on the work of the school finance commission to address one of the most important and formidable issues facing Texas: how the state funds education. The future economy and social fabric of the Lone Star State is being shaped in our classrooms today. By investing in our greatest assets—our young people—we can ensure Texas continues to thrive and lead in an ever-increasing, competitive and global marketplace.” (Nicole Conley, Chief Financial Officer, Austin Independent School District, 2/5/19)
The Commit Partnership’s Todd Williams: “As a former member of the Texas Commission on Public School Finance, I am thrilled that the Governor has prioritized school finance for the 86th Legislative session.” “As a former member of the Texas Commission on Public School Finance, I am thrilled that the Governor has prioritized school finance for the 86th Legislative session, and I hope his fellow lawmakers will honor his goals by implementing our recommendations. Our state is facing enormous challenges in the areas of third-grade reading, college readiness, and educational equity. I'm thankful we have state leadership with the vision necessary to enact new and effective strategies that directly address these critical issues.” (Todd Williams, Chairman and CEO, The Commit Partnership, 2/5/19)
Dallas Independent School District’s Dr. Michael Hinojosa: “I am optimistic that Governor Abbott and legislators are ready to take the necessary action to move our state’s educational infrastructure forward in real and lasting ways.” “I am optimistic that Governor Abbott and legislators are ready to take the necessary action to move our state’s educational infrastructure forward in real and lasting ways. We are encouraged by what we have heard today and will continue to closely watch the rollout of legislation and speak out in favor of positive change. We welcome the opportunity to be part of the solution our state needs to prepare future generations of productive and responsible citizens.” (Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Superintendent, Dallas Independent School District, 2/5/19)
Early Matters Dallas’ Kimberly Manns: “The Early Matters coalition is grateful that Governor Abbott has prioritized public school finance in the upcoming legislative session.” “The Early Matters coalition is grateful that Governor Abbott has prioritized public school finance in the upcoming legislative session. It is our hope that any reform to this system includes an emphasis on improving third grade reading scores, a crucial indicator of future success. We also hope legislators will work to improve the quality and sustainability of the childcare industry. Our newest generation of Texans are depending on it.” (Kimberly Manns, Managing Director, Early Matters Dallas, 2/5/19)
San Antonio Independent School District’s Dr. Pedro Martinez: “We were very encouraged to hear Governor Abbott lay out a comprehensive vision for what school finance reform looks like in Texas earlier today.” “We were very encouraged to hear Governor Abbott lay out a comprehensive vision for what school finance reform looks like in Texas earlier today. By making key investments in early childhood education, creating a tier of weights to recognize that it takes more resources to educate students based on their level of poverty, and investing in dual language education among other essential priorities, it is clear that the Governor wants to make significant investments in Texas public schools while lowering the rate of property tax increases.” (Dr. Pedro Martinez, Superintendent, San Antonio Independent School District, 2/5/19)
Teach Plus Texas: “[We] are excited about the opportunities for Texas students which Governor Abbott discussed in his State of the State address.” “Teach Plus teachers and Teach Plus Texas are excited about the opportunities for Texas students which Governor Abbott discussed in the State of the State Address. Governor Abbott is calling for substantial new funding for education, strategically spent to ensure a bright future for our students and the Lone Star State.” (Teach Plus Texas, 2/5/19)