As the 2023-24 school year nears an end, school boards across Texas are grappling with deficit budgets. School districts are running out of money and tightening their budgets because of double-digit inflation, an increase in unfunded legislative school mandates, and a lack of action taken by the Texas Legislature during the 88th Legislative Session. This means Texas school districts are faced with tough decisions, including teacher layoffs, program cuts, and sometimes, campus closures. School boards are made up of seven or nine publicly-elected trustees, depending upon the community. They have ..read more

One thing to do:  Do you know how school funding in Texas compares to other states? Watch our latest school finance video to get the answer.  Four Things to Know  Lt. Gov. Patrick Releases Interim Charges Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released interim charges for the Texas Senate last week, including several on public education policy issues. These Interim charges will be heard in the various Senate committees in the coming months in preparation for the 89th Legislative Session beginning in January of 2025.    Senate Committee on Education Reading and Math Readiness St ..read more

More than half of Texans are registered to vote, but decisions that affect the 30 million residents are often made by a small portion of registered voters.  Voting is a powerful tool for electing leaders who are invested in making the right decisions for their constituents, but Texas residents must go to the polls to ensure their voices are heard. “Voting is accountability,” said Matthew Hall, Senior Regional Advocacy Director for the Dallas/Fort Worth region at Raise Your Hand Texas. “It’s helpful to think about public officials as our employees. Elections are a great opportunity for vot ..read more

Raise Your Hand Texas has a front-row seat to the Capitol. From our vantage point, public education policy issues have never been more important, and this is why we must make every session a public education session. One Thing to Do:  Vote Early Public education is always on the ballot. Early voting for the March primary starts February 20, 2024. Do your research. Make a plan. Vote.  Visit the Raise Your Hand Texas for more voting information. There is no better way for Texans to show their support for democracy than by voting for candidates who support Texas public schools. Vote Ea ..read more

Raise Your Hand Texas has a front-row seat to the Capitol. From our vantage point, public education policy issues have never been more important, and this is why we must make every session a public education session. One Thing to Do:  Get Involved – ​Find and follow your regional advocacy director. Special legislative sessions may be over for now, but public education advocacy is a year-round pursuit–getting involved in elections, building relationships with legislators, or forging connections with other advocates in your community. Your Raise Your Hand Texas regional advocacy director i ..read more

Throughout the fall, Raise Your Hand Texas recognized the 100 legislators who stood alongside us to fight for Texas public education during the 88th Legislative Session. The Public Education Champion Award celebrates these legislators’ outstanding achievement and steadfast commitment to our 5.5 million students and their teachers. During the 88th Regular Session, these legislators demonstrated exceptional leadership by standing their ground regarding issues such as increases in funding for public schools and saying no to vouchers, also known as education savings accounts (ESAs). “When legislat ..read more

Raise Your Hand Texas has a front-row seat to the Capitol. From our vantage point, public education policy issues have never been more important, and this is why we must make every session a public education session. One Thing to Do:  Listen to our podcast – ​Special Session: School Finance & Vouchers In the final episode of Intersect Ed – Season 2, we discuss school finance and vouchers. You will hear from Raise Your Hand Texas’ Michelle Smith, executive director, and Bob Popinski, senior director of policy, alongside Channelview ISD superintendent Tory C. Hill, State Rep. Abel Herr ..read more

Raise Your Hand Texas has a front-row seat to the Capitol. From our vantage point, public education policy issues have never been more important, and this is why we must make every session a public education session. One Thing to Do:  VOTE and Have Your Voice Heard Early voting for the November constitutional election ends Friday, November 3. There are several important ballot measures that will impact public education and some that will support our schools. Most notably, Proposition 9 would provide a cost of living adjustment for retired teachers for the first time in nearly 20 years. B ..read more

Raise Your Hand Texas has a front-row seat to the Capitol. From our vantage point, public education policy issues have never been more important, and this is why we must make every session a public education session. One Thing to Do:  Vote Now – Public Education is Always on the Ballot Early voting for the November constitutional election is underway! There are several important ballot measures that will impact public education and those that support our schools. Most notably, Proposition 9 would provide a cost of living adjustment for retired teachers for the first time in nearly 20 yea ..read more

Legislators often share that they benefit from constituents’ ideas and perspectives. The unique viewpoints of others help them do their jobs well, and know the most pressing issues of their communities back home. Educators, students, families, and business leaders truly hold the power to impact public education decisions in Austin – regardless of a city’s size, challenges, or location within the state. It’s up to you to speak up for positive change in Texas public schools. “We want Texans to know they have a crucial role to play in public education advocacy,” said Dr. Libby Cohen, Raise Your H ..read more