Letter: State leaders are failing Texas' students

The Texas Education Agency reports that Governor Greg Abbot is underfunding the state's public school system. (Enterprise June 6). Abbott says the public school system is broken. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says that the schools are “Drop Out Factories.”

Neither one is putting forth any effort toward finding solutions to fix these perceived problems. Don't they realize that it is their job -- their responsibility -- to solve problems. They are getting paid to lead the state and resolve issues. Education is one the pillars of our society! So, why would one want to jeopardize this institution? Independent school districts are suffering from the lack of these funds.

This tells me that neither of these two office holders cares about your children, the 5 million students in the state, their education nor the teachers and administrators. So what is the problem? Vouchers. The Governor is blaming the shortfall of funding on the federal government and on those that will not support his voucher program. It appears the Governor and Lt. Governor have placed their own personal interest over the state of Texas. The Governor prefers to issue money “vouchers” to one and all who wish to enter private schools. Whatever the problem, they are not going to provide solutions. Some of these vouchers will go to private religious schools. This is contrary to a basic principle of “...separation of Church and State...” under our US Constitution.

Think it is time to change governor for the state of Texas; personal and private interest have taken over our schools.

Armando Gaytan

Port Arthur