The Midway ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved its 2025 legislative priorities during their regular November meeting, drawing attention to the pressing challenges the district faces due to inadequate state funding and the push for school voucher programs.
“Texas classrooms are underfunded while the state sits on a $21 billion surplus,” said Board President Pete Rusek. “In Midway, this translates to overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and inadequate resources for special education and transportation. It’s unacceptable.”
Board members outlined key initiatives for the upcoming legislative session, focusing on increasing funding for public schools, addressing teacher shortages, and opposing measures that divert taxpayer dollars from public education.
One of the board’s primary priorities is increasing the state’s basic allotment for education by $1,400 per student, adjusted annually for inflation. This measure would address a funding formula that has failed to keep pace with rising costs. Currently, Texas schools receive $6,160 per student, a figure unchanged since 2019, despite a 23% increase in inflation.
In addition to funding reforms, the board reaffirmed its opposition to school vouchers, which redirect public funds to private institutions. Citing examples from Arizona and Wisconsin, where voucher programs have significantly reduced public school funding, the board expressed concern about the long-term impacts on educational equity and quality.
“Diverting resources to private schools through voucher programs would be the single largest entitlement program in the state,” said Superintendent Dr. Chris Allen. “ That’s not conservative and I don’t think it fits what I would call Texas conservative values. At a minimum there should be fair competition and we are not seeing that.”
The board also addressed the statewide teacher shortage, calling for state-funded certification programs, financial incentives, and improved benefits to attract and retain educators. This year, Midway ISD began the school year with eight unfilled positions in critical areas, including special education and secondary math and science.
With these priorities in place, the district is urging the community to join in advocating for public education funding during the next legislative session.
“Our students and teachers deserve better,” Rusek added. “It’s time for the state to fully fund public education and prioritize the needs of Texas schools.”
For more information on Midway ISD’s legislative priorities click here.
