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- calendar_today November 13, 2026
Families Fear Loss of 'Life-Changing' School Vouchers in Texas
Parents of students with disabilities across Texas are expressing deep concern about the possible reversal of the state’s $1 billion school voucher program, known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts. The vouchers, which provide families with public funds for private schools and homeschooling expenses, have been described by many as transformative for their children's education and well-being.
School Vouchers Offer Critical Support for Students with Disabilities
For families like Kelci Jagge’s in San Antonio, the voucher program has provided flexibility and financial support crucial to educating her adopted son Ruslan, who has cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. Jagge turned to homeschooling after determining that traditional public school was not feasible for Ruslan's needs. The voucher covered expenses such as interactive learning tools and early literacy programs that she would not have been able to afford otherwise.
More than 18,800 Texas students with disabilities are currently using the school vouchers, according to the state comptroller’s office. Under the program, families can receive up to $10,500 annually for private school attendance, $2,000 for homeschooling, and up to $30,000 for children with disabilities—though very few receive the maximum amount. Over 110,000 families benefit from the program, with about 17% of participants being students with disabilities and at least 60% classified as low-income.
Political Shifts Threaten Funding for Vouchers
The outcome of recent elections in Texas has shifted legislative priorities. Democrats, who now hold a majority in the state House for the first time in over two decades, have promised to dismantle the education savings account program. Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa has openly criticized the voucher system, labeling it a "scam" and pledging to repair what she describes as its damage.
Lawmakers have already filed bills aiming to end the voucher program. Hinojosa holds the power to veto funding for the program in the next state budget, sparking anxiety among parents who depend on these funds for specialized services, tutoring, sensory products, and private school expenses tailored to the needs of their children.
Parents and Advocates Share Experiences and Concerns
Many families report that the program enabled them to purchase specialized curricula and support without financial strain. Joy Smith, a mother from Roanoke, shared that the $2,000 voucher for homeschooling her son with autism made a significant impact, saying, “It’s making all the difference right now.” Similar sentiments were echoed by other parents who used the funds for behavioral therapists, tutors, and adaptive educational materials.
Parents recounted difficulties with public schools, which have at times failed to adequately accommodate students with disabilities. Some, like Elizamae Dowd of Copperas Cove, described their children thriving in private schools thanks to the voucher program after years of struggles and bullying in public schools. The uncertainty about the future is causing distress, with parents stating it would be “devastating” should the funding end.
Debate Over Public School Funding Versus Voucher Programs
Democratic lawmakers assert that state resources should be invested in public schools rather than private or unregulated educational options. They argue that the broad use of vouchers is depriving struggling public school districts of essential funding, correlating the program with an estimated $227 million loss this school year. Some seek reforms that would require private schools participating in the voucher program to follow federal special education laws.
Republican lawmakers and voucher supporters emphasize the need to study what aspects of the program work well, particularly for families with children requiring special education services, before any major policy shifts.
Future Uncertain as Lawmakers Weigh Next Steps
The voucher program—codified last year by state law—faces a precarious future with the upcoming legislative session. Democrats’ ambitions to repeal or drastically scale back vouchers will need to navigate the Republican-majority Senate, which initially championed the initiative. Incoming Comptroller Sarah Eckhardt has also announced plans to audit the program, indicating increased scrutiny over its execution and expenditure.
Advocates like Brenda Rangel of Rice University call for thoughtful transitions that do not unduly disrupt families already relying on the vouchers. Meanwhile, parents and school leaders urge state officials to rebuild trust in the public education system—especially for students with disabilities—or find alternative supports should vouchers be rescinded.
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Source: feeds.texastribune.org.
