Uvalde CISD board unanimously adopts resolution opposing school vouchers; board circulates talking points for parents and lawmakers

The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt a resolution opposing school vouchers and education savings accounts, saying such programs would redirect public funds away from traditional public schools.

The resolution, read aloud by Superintendent Collins, states the board "firmly opposes the implementation or expansion of school voucher programs in any form that utilize public funds." The board instructed the superintendent to forward the resolution to state and federal lawmakers and encouraged community advocacy opposing voucher legislation.

Why it matters: Board members and several public commenters said vouchers would reduce resources for the majority of students and fail to address underlying funding shortfalls. Two community speakers during public comment urged unanimous passage: Ronald Garza, who identified himself as a county commissioner, said vouchers would harm jobs and local communities and urged trustees to "rally the troops" to contact Representative Don McLaughlin; Diana Alvedo Carew asked the board to press legislators on the same point and to mobilize parents.

Discussion and follow-up: Trustees asked staff to publish talking points and contact information so parents can submit comments and emails to lawmakers and to hearings. During the discussion trustees and staff clarified specific policy asks they will include with the resolution: (1) increase the basic allotment to match inflation, (2) fund districts on enrollment rather than attendance, (3) support teacher pay increases, and (4) stop the added surcharge on retire–rehires. The board asked staff to post sample emails, links for public comment on hearings, and a list of representatives to contact.

Votes at a glance (formal actions recorded at this meeting) - Resolution opposing vouchers: Motion to adopt passed unanimously (vote recorded as unanimous; 1 trustee absent). Motion made by Trustee Suarez; seconded by Trustee Rizzo. Outcome: approved. (Resolution text read by Superintendent Collins.) - OER Instructional Transition Plan (Bluebonnet Learning): Motion to adopt passed unanimously (1 absence). Motion made by Trustee Gonzales; seconded by Trustee Suarez. Outcome: approved. (Plan cites TAC 67.1315 and Texas Education Code 48.308 and uses TEA EMAT to purchase materials.) - Consent agenda (bundle including substitute-administrator pay tiers and other information items): Motion to approve consent agenda passed (vote recorded 4 in favor, 1 opposed, 2 absent). Motion made by Trustee Suarez; seconded by Trustee Gonzalez. Outcome: approved. (Trustees asked that the minutes from Feb. 17 be corrected to include two student birthday names.) - Board Operating Procedures Handbook: Motion to adopt passed unanimously (1 absence). Motion made by Trustee Suarez; seconded by Trustee Perez. Outcome: approved.

What the resolution says: The adopted resolution opposes vouchers and education savings accounts on the grounds that they "redirect public funds away from traditional public schools," can lack oversight and accountability, and may permit private schools to limit access. The resolution calls on state and federal lawmakers to prioritize investment in public education and directs the superintendent to transmit the board's position to policymakers and partner organizations.

Next steps: The board directed staff to publish the resolution, include the board's talking points (funding increases, enrollment-based funding, teacher pay, retire–rehire surcharge), provide email addresses and templates for parents to contact lawmakers, and supply guidance for submitting comments to legislative hearings.

Sources and attribution: Remarks from Ronald Garza (public comment) and Diana Alvedo Carew (public comment); text of the resolution read by Superintendent Collins; vote motions and tallies recorded on the meeting record.