Why Texas Should Pause Charter Expansion and Invest in Public Schools

I believe Texas should invest in strengthening its public schools rather than expanding a parallel charter system that drains millions of dollars from local districts without delivering better outcomes for students. Charter schools receive public funds, yet they are not governed by locally elected boards and are not held to the same standards of accountability, transparency, or community oversight as traditional public schools. When a charter school underperforms or misuses funds, parents’ only real option is often to leave, rather than work through a democratic process to improve the school. That is not meaningful accountability for publicly funded institutions.

Beyond governance and funding, Texas has created a two-tiered system of rules that simply does not make sense. Charter schools are not required to fully align instruction to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, are not required to participate in STAAR or end-of-course exams unless they opt in, often employ fewer certified teachers, and operate under different obligations for serving students with disabilities. These exemptions are justified as necessary for innovation and flexibility, yet traditional public schools are required to comply with every state mandate.

This double standard is unfair and counterproductive. If rules, standards, and mandates are necessary to ensure quality and accountability, then every school receiving public funds should be required to follow them. If innovation and local control is what leads to better schools, then all public schools should be trusted with the same flexibility. Maintaining two sets of rules undermines fairness, transparency, and public trust in our education system.

At the same time, Texas has dramatically expanded charter schools through approvals often made solely by the commissioner of education, with little meaningful local input. This centralized authority allows large charter chains to grow rapidly, even in communities where public schools are already serving students well. Decisions with long-term financial and educational consequences should be made publicly, with community input and accountability, not concentrated in the hands of a single appointed official. This authority should be limited or shifted to the State Board of Education, where decisions are made in the open.

The financial consequences are significant. While many public schools remain underfunded and some are being closed, charter schools are receiving an increasing share of state dollars, including facilities funding and preferential access to certain allotments. Taxpayers are also exposed to greater risk through the expanding use of the Permanent School Fund bond guarantee to support charter bonds. This approach weakens the system that serves the vast majority of Texas students and places public resources at unnecessary risk. It is also fiscally irresponsible.

For these reasons, I oppose further expansion of charter schools in Texas until they are held to the same rigorous standards of accountability, governance, financial transparency, and student service as traditional public schools, and until their impact on local districts is fully addressed. Public schools are the backbone of our communities. They are accountable to voters, serve all students, and play a central role in our democracy. Our priority should be to invest in public schools and help them improve, not undermine them through a fragmented and inequitable system.

➡️ Read more about my position on Texas education issues: https://www.victorsampson.org/issues-and-positions

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