05/07/2026
With all of the attention being given to public funds going to private schools (vouchers) recently, some have forgotten about the other state-funded education system in TX…charter schools.
A lot of people are confused…are charters public schools or private schools? The answer is Yes. 🤷🏼♀️
Charters are “public schools” that are 100% funded by the state (no pesky property taxes to collect just to pay the electric bill or make payroll), they do give STAAR tests, and do follow some state mandates for public schools. They also get more per-student funding than we do.
Charters are also “private schools” in that they are led by private organizations, not locally-elected Trustees. They may be run by a group of family members or people who don’t even live in the community. Charters can also open schools and sell bonds to pay for facilities without a vote by the local community. Charter schools do not have to accept all children but can pick/weed out kids through a “lottery” or application process.
Charters are approved by the appointed TEA Commissioner and the elected State Board of Education (SBOE).
I have testified twice to the SBOE in opposition to charter schools opening up more “franchises” in our area. Once, during a break while waiting to testify, I tried to visit with my elected SBOE representative. He did not have time to talk to me but spent time talking to a gentleman who owned interest in a charter management organization and who had contributed to the SBOE member’s campaign.
Just recently, I (along with Superintendents and school board presidents from multiple districts) received a letter from the TEA announcing the expansion of a charter organization with 7 new locations impacting CFISD, Katy ISD, Bryan ISD, College Station ISD, Spring ISD, Waller ISD, Tomball ISD, Klein ISD. Since it’s an “expansion”, there are no votes taken or opportunity to testify…it’s just a done deal by the TEA.
Why in the world is the TEA/state adding MORE schools without input from local communities, without transparency, and in areas where student enrollment is declining?
Why? Because charters are a step between locally-governed, community-based public schools and for-profit privatization of education in TX. That’s why the TEA pushes struggling school districts into partnerships with charters.
When I look around CFISD and see all of the many opportunities for students to learn, grow and succeed, I am so proud. Charter schools don’t offer CTE certification courses or the extensive range of Fine Arts, Athletics, FFA, or Associates Degrees through the College Academies at every high school like we do. Most charter schools don’t provide transportation to/from school or special education services.
I’m not afraid of “competition” because I believe we are providing exceptional educational opportunities for students …but as a taxpayer and believer in local control, I sure wish our state leaders would be more strategically focused and fiscally responsible.
