In a landmark decision, the Texas House of Representatives approved a $1 billion school voucher program, a move that is being welcomed by many in the Jewish community as a major step forward for school choice and Jewish education.
By Anash.org reporter
In a landmark decision, the Texas House of Representatives approved a $1 billion school voucher program, a move that is being welcomed by many in the Jewish community as a major step forward for school choice and Jewish education.
The new legislation, which provides up to $10,000 per student in tuition assistance for private schools, could directly benefit the families of students attending one of Texas’s 20 private Jewish schools.
These funds, allocated from tax dollars, aim to give families greater flexibility in selecting a school that aligns with their values, especially critical for those seeking a Jewish upbringing for their children. The new bill could potentially encourage thousands of Jewish families in Texas to provide their children with a proper Jewish education while strengthening chinuch in the state.
The bill was the result of extensive efforts by Agudath Israel of America and Chabad of Texas, who worked hand-in-hand to rally for school choice in the state. Community members lobbied their elected officials, and a rally was held at the state capital.
While some liberal Jewish groups, such as the Religious Action Center of Texas, have voiced opposition, arguing that public funding for private education could divert resources from the public school system, shluchim are excited about the potential it brings.
“School choice allows parents to manage tuition affordability that will allow parents to choose a Jewish school that matches their Jewish values rather than be in a failing public school system,” Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff, shliach to Houston, Texas, shared with Anash.org. “It will make a major impact for the progress of chinuch in Texas and especially for the growing anash community in Houston.”
Indeed, the impact is already being felt on the ground. The Chabad school in Houston is rapidly expanding its infrastructure to meet the growing demand, driven by both natural community growth and renewed interest due to increased affordability.
“The school is building an additional four preschool classrooms, recently purchased a 12-acre campus, and is slated to open a new middle school building, iy”H, to be ready for the new school year,” Rabbi Lazaroff added. “These developments are all to accommodate the current and anticipated explosive growth of the community.”
The voucher bill is now headed for reconciliation with the Texas Senate, after which Governor Greg Abbott, who strongly supported the measure and has pledged to sign it into law.
I think it would be a mistake to give the $10,000 directly to parents. I fear some parents would instead of using the money for their children would pocket the money. The parents should indicate where they will be sending their children for an education and the money should be sent to that institution. Otherwise, I fear lots of parents would use the money for rent, food, utilities, travel, car notes, etc. and not how it was intended. Checks and balances must be in place.
The money does not go directly to the parents, it goes to a designated account and can only be spent on specific things like tuition on tutoring.
That’s what it says at: https://anash.org/agudah-and-chabad-team-up-for-school-choice-in-texas/