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Our Schools Our Democracy

@osodtexas.bsky.social

Our Schools Our Democracy protects the fundamental rights of all Texans to a free, public education through research, education, outreach, & advocacy. Home of the Texas Center for Voucher Transparency. Learn more: linktr.ee/osodtexas

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Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 9h ago

📊 The Comptroller released a demographic report on August 1 on the Texas voucher program - but key questions remain unanswered. Read the Comptroller's report: educationfreedom.texas.gov/wp-content/u... Learn more: www.dallasnews.com/news/educati... cbsaustin.com/news/local/t... #txlege #txed

The headline reads "Comptroller’s voucher demographic report leaves key questions unanswered." There is an image of a magnifying glass in red above the main text. The main text reads "The Comptroller released a demographic report on August 1 on the Texas voucher program. The legislature required this annual report to include specific information, but did not require key data like families opting out of the program and prior public school enrollment." At the bottom is a blue banner with a QR code that says "Read our press release."

At least 36,000 families awarded but not yet opted in to the Texas school voucher program—about 30% of awards—presented as a pie chart titled "Opting Out" to highlight unclaimed or opted-out recipients.

At the bottom is the caption: "According to the report, 85,344 accounts have been funded out of over 122,000 awards – leaving approximately 30% (or 36,000+) of recipients who have not yet opted in.

The Dallas Morning News reported on Aug. 3 that 20,000 students have already opted out of the program.

Infographic noting the demographic report omits the current share of voucher recipients who previously attended Texas public schools, with large question marks.

At the bottom are two statistics that were included by former Comptroller Kelly Hancock in previous updates. 75% of applicants were from private, homeschool, or never-enrolled backgrounds and 57% of school-age awardees were from private/home schools as of June 10, 2026.

Infographic comparing race and ethnicity breakdown of voucher recipients versus Texas public school enrollment, showing donut charts with highlighted percentages.

The text on the right reads "The report does break down students funded by race/ethnicity, but does not compare to the Texas public school population.

It’s important to understand whether voucher recipients mirror the diversity of Texas public school students."

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 2d ago

Check out the latest OSOD Insider and don't forget to sign up to be the first to receive next month's installment! osod.org/august-insid...

Houston Chronicle @houstonchronicle.com · last mo.

Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced Wednesday he plans to step down from his post later this month, dealing a shakeup to the agency as it rolls out the state’s fledgling private school voucher program. bit.ly/4yiaH5B

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · last mo.

Did you miss this month's OSOD Insider? Check out all the latest news and sign up for updates: osod.org/july-insider/

There is a yellow text box at the right titled July Insider with the text "The latest update includes:
- Our latest resources on what we know (and don’t know yet) as Texas opens its voucher marketplace today.
- Updates on the State Board of Education approving a concerning new charter application that will initially locate in Aldine and Spring.
- News you can use from reporting on vouchers for students with disabilities to a new analysis of high rates of attrition in Texas charter schools from researchers at IDRA.

To the left of the text box are three photos of OSOD staff at presentations, public testimony, and community events.

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · last mo.

As Texas begins sending the first installment of $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to private schools and homeschools, learn what we know so far and what questions still need to be answered: osod.org/what-we-know...

On the right is a cream box with a quote from Dee Carney, Director of the Texas Center for Voucher Transparency. The quote reads: "Good policy requires great information. The first year of the voucher program should not be measured only by the number of applications submitted or awards granted; the voucher program should also be measured by whether it is meeting the promises made to Texas families and taxpayers. The Texas Voucher Promise Tracker will continue to follow the data as it becomes available." Behind the quote box is a red-washed photo of Dee holding a microphone and gesturing towards a presentation.

On the right is a cream box with a quote from Carrie Griffith, Executive Director of Our Schools Our Democracy. The quote reads: "Texans know more today about the state's new voucher program than they did just a few months ago, but Texans are still waiting for answers to some of the most important questions about how the state’s $1 billion taxpayer-funded voucher program is operating in practice. What remains clear is that a lack of transparency into private school operations risks giving Texas families more options on paper than in practice." Behind the quote box is a red-washed photo of Carrie standing at a podium and speaking into a microphone.

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · last mo.

💵 An unprecedented federal tax credit for vouchers could divert tens of billions of dollars from the federal budget to private school tuition through "scholarship granting organizations" that can keep 10% of donations. Read our full breakdown: osod.org/federal-vouchers/ #txed

The image is an oversized hand holding a magnifying glass that is hovering over the Capitol. The text above the image is "Inside the new federal tax credit scholarship program. President Donald Trump's 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act created the nation's first federally authorized tax credit scholarship program."

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · last mo.

The State Board of Education took a final vote this morning to approve a new charter applicant. The Board voted 9-5-1 in favor. #txed

There is a cream box on the right side with the quote "For the first time, the Commissioner of Education only recommended one charter school to the State Board of Education - a much needed change of pace given the stark underperformance of recently approved charter schools. Unfortunately...the approval of the Texas High School for Accelerated Learning threatens to continue the pattern of funding underperforming charter campuses at the direct expense of existing, high quality programming." The quote is attributed to Carrie Griffith, OSOD Executive Director. Carrie is pictured to the left of the quote testifying to the State Board of Education.

There is a cream box on the right side with the quote "[The approval] also seems to signal that TEA and the SBOE are unalarmed by the practice of sending Texas taxpayer dollars out of the classroom and into the hands of private investors. The new charter will be operated by Second Mile Education, an out-of-state for-profit business owned by private equity. Second Mile will receive various annual fees in addition to a costly management fee - 14% of all state revenue received by the school." The quote is attributed to Carrie Griffith, OSOD Executive Director. Carrie is pictured to the left of the quote testifying to the State Board of Education.

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · last mo.

Final vote tomorrow – Friday, June 26. Contact your SBOE member: sboe.texas.gov/.../sboe-boa...

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · last mo.

On Wednesday, the SBOE will consider one new charter applicant, despite little evidence of need in the planned locations of Aldine and Spring ISDs. Head to our charter application tracker to learn more and take action: osod.org/charter-appl... #txed

The title at the top of the image is "what you need to know." Below the title are four yellow boxes with the following text.
1) The Commissioner of Education recommends new charter applicants to the SBOE to consider every year. This year, the Commissioner recommended just one new charter operator.
2) The single recommended charter applicant is Texas High School for Accelerated Learning (THSAL), which is proposing to locate in Aldine and Spring ISDs.
3) THSAL would be a dropout recovery school for grades 7 - 12. It would be managed by a for-profit Florida-based charter management company that operates in three other states.
4) Once approved, a charter operator can expand anywhere in Texas at the sole approval of the Commissioner.

The title at the top of the image is "key concerns." Below the title are four yellow boxes with the following text.
1) Alternative high schools and dropout recovery schools in Aldine and Spring ISDs already provide comprehensive support services beyond those offered by THSAL.
2) The school will be almost entirely managed by Second Mile Education (SME). SME is owned by private equity firms according to a public announcement.
3) SME will charge a comparatively high management fee of 14% of all state funds plus additional fees for other annual and “out of scope” services.
4) SME’s Florida campuses have a poor record of student performance compared to existing public school district programs.

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Grateful to join Texas Rural Education Association's annual conference to share work from our TX Center for Voucher Transparency & hear from incredible Texans championing rural public schools. Special shoutout to OSOD Board Member Patti Everitt who won a 2026 Rural Impact Award!

Dee Carney holds a microphone and gestures towards a slide deck showing data on the new Texas voucher program.

OSOD board member Patti Everitt holds a 2026 Rural Impact Award trophy and smiles in a selfie with Texas superintendent Dr. Brandon Enos.

Wide shot of a panel with four panelists sitting behind a conference table

The Associated Press @apnews.com · 2mo ago

More families are experimenting with private schools as states — and soon the federal government — use taxpayer-supported scholarships to encourage them to leave public school. But students already in private or home school are most likely to benefit, an AP analysis shows.

Private school choice vouchers leave behind many kids in public school

Taxpayers are funding kids’ private education. Often, money goes to kids already in private or home schools.

bit.ly

The Associated Press @apnews.com · 2mo ago

Más familias experimentan con escuelas privadas, ya que los estados utilizan becas financiadas con los impuestos para incentivarlas a dejar la escuela pública. Según un análisis de AP, los estudiantes que ya asisten a escuelas privadas son los que tienen más probabilidades de beneficiarse.

Los vales para escuelas privadas dejan atrás a muchos estudiantes de escuelas públicas

Los contribuyentes financian la educación privada. A menudo, el dinero va a estudiantes que ya estaban en escuelas privadas o educados en casa.

bit.ly

Houston Chronicle @houstonchronicle.com · 2mo ago

Special education voucher follow how much public schools receive for those services, but the awards vary by thousands of dollars based on the district's size, not just the student's need. bit.ly/4vjaxc4 bit.ly/4vjaxc4

Special education school voucher awards vary sharply by Texas school district

Special education voucher follow how much public schools receive for those services, but the awards vary by thousands of dollars based on the district's size, not just the student's need.

bit.ly

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Great new resource on the federal voucher program from @edlawcenter.bsky.social @pfpsorg.bsky.social

Education Law Center@edlawcenter.bsky.social · 2mo ago

🎥 PFPS Sets the Record Straight: Watch a Recording of our Latest Webinar for the Truth About the Federal Voucher Program. youtu.be/jKOPr9aYa2Q Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube to access future webinars!

Webinar graphic - Recording now available of PFPS's latest webinar titled "What Almost Everybody Gets Wrong About the Federal Voucher Scheme: Answers to Your Burning Questions With PFPS Director Jessica Levin." https://youtu.be/jKOPr9aYa2Q

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Thanks to @itpi.bsky.social for sharing our initial review of voucher-accepting private schools in Texas! inthepublicinterest.org/with-texas-v...

With Texas Voucher Schools, the Devil's in the Details

A new report on dozens of voucher-approved private schools in Texas highlights the need for clear, honest information about admissions barriers.

inthepublicinterest.org

ProPublica @propublica.org · 2mo ago

NEW: No state has taken over as many public school districts as Texas. Since 2020, the Texas Education Agency has installed its own hand-picked leaders in eight districts. Four of those came just this spring. At least another 10 are at risk of takeover. w/ @texastribune.org

Texas State Takeover of Local School Districts Expands, Raising Concerns

Since 2020, the state education agency has taken over eight school districts — four in just the past few months — and installed leaders linked to Houston’s controversial superintendent, Mike Miles. At...

propublica.org

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Can't wait to join public school advocates in Conroe this September at the annual conference hosted by our friends at @network4pubed.bsky.social. Registration is open now: networkforpubliceducation.org/2026-nationa...

Network for Public Education @network4pubed.bsky.social · 2mo ago

@pfpsorg@pfpsorg.bsky.social Webinar ➡️ What Almost Everybody Gets Wrong About the Federal Voucher Scheme: Answers to Your Burning Questions With PFPS Director Jessica Levin Information and registration here pfps.org/what-almost...

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Did you miss the OSOD June Insider? Catch up on the latest news and sign up: osod.org/june-insider/ #txlege #txed

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 3mo ago

TX families trying to use a voucher deserve clear, transparent information & taxpayers deserve public accountability for $1b of public funds. TXCVT found that access to information varies widely across voucher-approved private schools. Read more: tinyurl.com/yvrpfpbx #txed

This image features key findings from the initial review of the Texas Center for Voucher Transparency. The post is a graphic with a lightbulb icon, reading: "Did you know? Transparency is inconsistent at private schools.

Public access to information varies widely across schools. Common transparency limitations include minimal or no online information, password-protected handbooks, and information on tuition available only on request or after completing application steps."

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 3mo ago

The voucher program prioritizes students who need special education services but private schools are not required to accept or provide services for students with disabilities. A voucher award doesn't guarantee admission to a private school. Read more: tinyurl.com/yvrpfpbx #txed

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 3mo ago

For families considering the cost of private school, tuition is just one bill. TXCVT found mandatory extra costs that quickly add up in a review of voucher-approved schools in 4 Texas House Public Education Committee member districts. Read more: tinyurl.com/yvrpfpbx #txed

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 3mo ago

In an initial review of 59 voucher-approved private schools in 4 Texas House Public Education Committee member districts, TXCVT found that religious identity isn't only school culture. It can also function as a formal admissions filter. Read more: tinyurl.com/yvrpfpbx #txed

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 3mo ago

In a recent analysis of 59 voucher-approved schools in four Texas House Public Education Committee member districts, the Texas Center for Voucher Transparency found that 41% of them only enroll PK-K students. Read more: tinyurl.com/yvrpfpbx #txed #txlege

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 3mo ago

www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...

Texas voucher program fuels special education testing surge

Hundreds more private school families across the Houston-area requested special education testing to apply for school vouchers, sending public schools scrambling to complete them before the...

houstonchronicle.com

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 3mo ago

On Monday, OSOD testified at the House Public Education interim hearing on the state of Texas schools. We shared new information on statewide trends that contribute to local school closures. Watch our testimony & explore new resources: osod.org/osod-testifi... #txlege #txed

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 3mo ago

New charter school applications are moving forward. The next step is capacity interviews, starting today thru May 13. This is an chance for community members & SBOE members to learn more about a proposed new charter. Watch live or catch up on recordings: www.adminmonitor.com/tx/tea #txlege #txed

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 3mo ago

To boost Charter Schools Program funding to $500m/yr, the Trump Admin wiped out the entire $31m budget for a federal early learning grant & reduced funding for gifted & talented programs & magnet schools. Take action with @network4pubed.bsky.social: actionnetwork.org/letters/stop...

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Did you miss the OSOD May Insider? Catch up on the latest news and sign up: osod.org/may-insider/

Our Schools Our Democracy @osodtexas.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Proposed budget cuts would pull billions of dollars from public education. Learn how much your community could lose at bit.ly/CutsCalculator and then tell your lawmaker to invest in public education! 📱 Click to call: buff.ly/RrlGJki 📧 Click to email: buff.ly/MTava1O

The text reads: The Trump Administration is proposing $7.3 billion in cuts to public education. How much would your school district lose? Check here: bit.ly/CutsCalculator.