Save Texas Schools

On this day in 1635, the town of Boston decided to open the first publicly funded school in America.

Established 2 months later, on April 23rd, Boston Latin became the first public school in America. This marked the beginning of our nation's long history of providing an education to all people, premised on the notion that an educated public is a necessary component of a healthy democracy.

And this was one of the first examples of how effective public education can be. Among the school's alumni are five signers of the Declaration of Independence, including John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, and Samuel Adams.

Public education also has a long history here in Texas. Even before we became a state, while we were still our own country, the legislature dedicated lands to be used for public education. 

Now, this history is threatened. Irresponsible, shortsighted legislators bowing to special interests have refused to do what is best for the future of Texas. More money was needed to fulfill our obligation to educate the children of our ever-growing state. Instead, they cut education spending drastically, taking away $5.4 billion over the next two years.

As a result of these cuts, one of our own oldest schools, Pease Elementary—the oldest continuously operating public school, according to its website—faces the prospect of being shut down. An AISD task force charged with making the cuts necessary for the school district to keep running (thanks to the state-imposed funding cuts) has recommended closing the school.

Public education is so underfunded that the Texas Education Association Commissioner, Robert Scott, warned that the state's policy of banning social promotions—the practice of promoting a student to keep him with his peer group, even though he is unprepared for the next grade—will have to be changed unless there is more money to provide resources for students falling behind.

Are you as frustrated as I am about this? Do you want to do something about it? Good! Mark your calendar for March 24th and come to the Save Texas Schools rally!

Meet at 12th and Trinity at 11am, then march to the capital for the rally, which will begin at noon. I'll see you there! Learn more about it at www.SaveTxSchools.org.