Call for Referendum on School Vouchers, TEA’s School Rating Authority Halted as SAISD Board Prepares for Closure Vote
Hello SAISD Parents and Eastside Community Members,
This week has been another long and overwhelming one filled with political chaos over school vouchers. This debate will continue as our Governor, Greg Abbott, keeps going to rallies and asking people to support private school vouchers. Many have said this idea should be put on the November ballot. That would be a good idea because he’s ready to sign a check for his “private vouchers,” yet our retired teachers’ raises are on next month’s ballot. So, please remember to go and vote.
I do have some good news: a judge in Travis County has placed a temporary block on the TEA releasing this year’s annual school ratings. This decision comes after many school districts have sued TEA because of their delay in ratings. The claims are that the state’s new school evaluation process has changed, and many schools would receive an unfair rating. In the past, our schools could receive an A if 60% of their seniors were enrolled in college or career readiness. Now, the new system requires schools to have 88% percent of their students enrolled in college and career readiness. It is truly impossible to agree with these practices because the only one that benefits from all this is TEA. After all, if a school receives a low rating, it loses funding.
As our public schools are having to close due to lack of funding, the grading system only hurts them more. Parents know that we are losing schools because of all the politicians who have made it easier for charter schools to be fully funded and also receive money from non-profits.
Lastly, know that the SAISD Board will make a final recommendation on the Rightsizing our schools on Nov. 13. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at lena.lopez@saobsever.com.
Have a Blessed Week,
Lena Lopez
COMING UP
Nov. 13, 2023: The SAISD Board will act on the Final Rightsizing Recommendation
The Trustees will vote on the Final Recommendations as a total package, not one school at a time.
Should the Trustees approve the Rightsizing Recommendation, a Transition Team of experienced educators and leaders will mobilize to support students, families, and staff. We will meet with the community at each affected school at least twice after the Board’s decisions.
