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Governor Greg Abbott visits Saint Timothy, urges passage of school-choice funding
Summary
During a visit to Saint Timothy school, Governor Greg Abbott praised the school's work with students with learning differences and urged passage of a school-choice funding bill he said will "empower" parents; school leaders said cost is a barrier for many families.
Governor Greg Abbott visited Saint Timothy school and on the visit promoted a school-choice funding plan he said would give parents more options for children whose needs are not met by local public schools.
Lee, board chair of Saint Timothy, described the private school's 25-year history and told the governor the school serves students with "as many as 20 different diagnoses," including autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. Lee, a parent of a Saint Timothy alumnus, said his son Jacob "is now in his second year of a learning differences program at the University of Arkansas" and praised the school for providing individualized services. "We evaluate each student individually and look to see, do they present a need that that we can meet?" Lee said.
Abbott framed the visit as an illustration of why parents should have multiple education pathways available. "Our goal is to make sure that we put the power in the hands of parents like Lee," the governor said. He highlighted the proposed school-choice program as a funding mechanism, saying "the amount being allocated per student for the school choice program is going to empower an entire generation of parents to be able to choose the education pathway that truly is best for their child." Abbott said he expects the Texas House to move the bill out of committee later this week or next week and predicted a House floor vote in early April.
A questioner citing critics raised concerns that private schools are not required to provide the same services as public schools and referenced projected costs for the proposal, saying critics estimate an initial cost around $1 billion and suggesting a larger figure in later years. Abbott disputed the premise that costs could grow uncontrolled, arguing the Legislature controls appropriations and will fund what it deems affordable.
No formal vote or committee action occurred during the visit; Abbott and local school leaders framed the meeting as part of an outreach effort to explain the program and hear from families. The transcript does not specify the visit date or the school's city.
Next steps: Abbott said he expects committee consideration of the bill soon and possible House floor action in early April.
