The 2024-2025 school year is poised to be one full of changes for public education in Texas, from debates over book bans to the potential of school vouchers becoming a reality, there are a lot of controversial issues this year. Here are some of the key issues to follow this school year, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Book Bans
Fort Bend, Cy-Fair, Conroe and Katy ISDs have already implemented measures to ban certain books from their libraries. Fort bend ISD voted last week to approve a policy to give its superintendent power to remove books from libraries at his discretion, bypassing the previously mandatory book review committee. This decision followed numerous challenges to books deemed inappropriate due to sexual content.
Cy-fair also removed 13 textbook chapters addressing topics like COVID-19, vaccines, and climate change, due to pressure from a small group of parents, some of them followers of conspiracy theories. In addition, Katy ISD removed books that talked about “gender fluidity” arguing the term was too vague.
Numerous critics have argued that these book policies could harm the LBTQ+ community, as the majority of books removed talk about issues related to diversity.
Deficits
Districts across the state are facing significant budget deficits, exacerbated by the end of COVID-19 relief funding and rising inflation. Many districts, including Alief, Montgomery, Magnolia, and Spring ISDs, are considering tax rate increase elections to mitigate financial challenges,
The deficit has also forced districts to massive cuts and layoffs that led to a reduction in librarian positions, scaled-back busing services, and the elimination of some specialist positions.
School Vouchers
School vouchers are a top priority for Gov. Greg Abbott, and while the measure has failed to pass in the last legislative sessions, the Governor has expressed confidence that he now has the numbers to pass school vouchers.
It is still unclear how vouchers will work in Texas, but numerous experts have expressed that the measure could further defund public schools.
Transgender rights
Katy ISD and Conroe ISD have proposed restrictive policies affecting transgender students’ access to school facilities and literature. Both districts have enacted policies requiring teachers and staff to tell parents if their child revealed to a staff member that they are transgender.
The November 5, 2024 ballot
Finally, voters would have the opportunity to vote for new trustees and different bonds in the upcoming election. In Houston voters will have to decide to approve tax rate increases in some districts and to vote for HISD’s $4.4 billion bond proposal, the largest school bond in Texas district. This bond aims to fund school renovations, expand pre-K and technical education, and enhance campus safety.
Meanwhile, Willis ISD is proposing a $115.4 million bond to build new facilities and upgrade existing ones. Additionally, Klein ISD and Spring ISD have school board trustee elections, with several seats contested.
