### Texas Legislature Passes Landmark Education Overhaul, Introducing Vouchers and Teacher Pay Raises

In a sweeping move set to redefine the landscape of Texas education, Governor Abbott has signed Senate Bill 2 into law. This legislation authorizes one of the nation's largest programs enabling families to use taxpayer funds for private school tuition. Passed with considerable momentum and signed swiftly, the program is slated for an official launch in the 2026-27 school year.

The voucher initiative is particularly comprehensive, providing eligibility to nearly all school-age children in Texas, including those currently enrolled in private schools. Up to 20% of the program's initial $1 billion budget could potentially benefit wealthier families—those earning roughly $160,000 or more for a family of four. Most participating families will receive an amount constituting 85% of what public schools receive per student, translating to between $10,300 and $10,900 annually according to a legislative budget analysis.

Senate Bill 2 also allocates additional funds for students with disabilities, with up to $30,000 more available based on state spending for special education services in public schools. Meanwhile, home-schoolers are eligible for up to $2,000 per year. State budget experts project that by 2030, the program could cost taxpayers around $4.8 billion.

In conjunction with the voucher program, House Bill 2 represents a significant boost of $8.5 billion to Texas public schools following years of stagnant funding. This bill introduces a structured system for long-term teacher pay raises, with increases ranging from $2,500 to $8,000 depending on experience and district size.

Furthermore, House Bill 2 includes a $55 increase in the base amount of state funding for each student, a portion of which is earmarked for salaries of full-time staff. An additional $45 per student is exclusively reserved for increasing salaries of support staff like counselors and nurses, while $106 per student is allocated for operational costs including transportation and utilities.

Significantly, the legislation revamps Texas' special education funding framework to base allocations on individual student needs rather than classroom settings, a change broadly deemed more equitable. Districts will also receive $1,000 for each evaluation conducted for students suspected of having disabilities.

However, efforts to replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test with shorter, more frequent assessments fell through. Despite bipartisan support, lawmakers could not reach consensus, resulting in the continued administration of the widely criticized STAAR test.

Addressing the rise in classroom violence post-pandemic, House Bill 6 extends the conditions under which schools can impose out-of-school and in-school suspensions, and allows for remote instruction for students in alternative education programs. Critics, however, argue that these measures may not address underlying issues and could derail students' educational paths.

These legislative changes reflect a broader agenda to increase parental control in education, with laws targeting the limitation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in schools. Senate Bill 12, for instance, prohibits the consideration of race, ethnicity, or gender identity in hiring and training, granting parents the right to file complaints if they suspect violations.

Overall, the comprehensive legislative package reflects significant shifts in educational policy, aiming to enhance school choice, support teacher pay, and address both academic and behavioral challenges within Texas schools.