Texas school choice advocates gaining ground

[TexasTowelie]

AUSTIN — After several years of setbacks, advocates of private school vouchers and tax credits are moving closer to their goal of having Texas join the growing number of states that allow students to attend private schools at state expense.

Previous attempts to expand tax-supported school choice to private schools have fallen short. They’ve drawn vigorous opposition from school districts and public education groups, as well as Democrats in the House and Senate.

But this year, a more conservative Legislature — particularly in the Senate — is giving school choice proponents a more sympathetic ear. That could clear the path for a limited, first-step program that lets thousands of lower-income students receive their education at a private or religious school.

Leading the way is Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who made school choice for those students one of his major campaign themes during his successful run last year. He also pledged, just days after being sworn in, to put the weight of his new office behind that effort.

Read more: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-news/20150209-texas-school-choice-advocates-gaining-ground.ece

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2. How many Texans are sleeping while their children's education funding is being given to the wealthy?

Who would believe that poor children would be able to attend a private school? Sleeping voters that voted for Republicans or did not vote to save public school funding lead by Democrats. Public schools lost $6Billion in the Republican lead Legislative session of 2011. What will be the loss for the 2015-16 school year if this plan in passed by the Texas Tea Party Extremist in control of the 2015 Texas Legislature?

http://www.privateschoolreview.com/tuition-stats/private-school-cost-by-state
The national average private school tuition is approximately $9,994 per year.

http://dallas-area-schools.blogspot.com/2013/03/2012-2013-dallas-private-schools-ranked.html
Rank) Tuition - School (location)
1) $26,200 - The Winston School (North Dallas)

2) $26,190 - Episcopal School of Dallas (North Dallas)

3) $26,004 - St. Marks School of Texas (North Dallas)

4) $25,050 - The Hockaday School (North Dallas)

5) $23,900 - Greenhill School (Addison)

6) $23,150 - The Shelton School (Far North Dallas)

7) $22,551 - St. Alcuin Montessori School (North Dallas)

8) $22,300 - Parish Episcopal School (Far North Dallas)

9) $21,221 - The Lamplighter School (North Dallas)

10) $20,800 - Ann/Nate Levine Academy (Far North Dallas)

11) $19,500 - Newfound Academy (Carrollton)

12) $19,200 - Trinity Valley School (Ft. Worth)

13) $19,030 - The Oakridge School (Arlington)

14) $18,900 - Dallas International School (North Dallas)

15) $18,780 - FW Country Day (Ft. Worth)

16) $18,750 - Oak Hill Academy (North Dallas)

17) $18,270 - The Dallas Academy (East Dallas)

18) $18,120 - Cistercian Preparatory School (Irving)

19) $17,929 - Prestonwood Christian Academy (West Plano)

20) $17,700 - Hill School of Grapevine (Grapevine)