Talking Texas Vouchers

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Title: Funding and Statistics Date Recorded: February 5, 2025 Host: Wade Erickson Overview This episode focuses on the recent passage of SB2 in the Texas Senate, the allocation of funds for Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and the statistical impact of the proposed voucher program. The discussion covers funding distribution, eligibility criteria, and the types of schools that may receive ESA funding. ________________________________________ Key Points Discussed 1. Legislative Update on Texas Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) • SB2 Passed the Texas Senate on February 5, 2025, but still requires approval from the Texas House. • The House version of the bill is expected to have some differences, which will be reconciled in committee before final passage. • SB1 (Budget Bill) includes funding for ESAs and broader education allocations. ________________________________________ 2. Funding Allocations & Expected Impact • $1 billion has been allocated for ESAs in the 2026-2027 school year. • Texas public school budget approaching $100 billion overall. • Expected ESA allocation per student: o $10,000 per student (standard) o $11,500 per student with disabilities o $2,000 for homeschool students • Estimated 95,000 - 100,000 students will receive ESA funds in the first year (~1.8% of public school students). • ESA eligibility is restricted to students enrolled in public or charter schools in the previous year. o Current private school students will not qualify unless they meet specific conditions. ________________________________________ 3. Teacher Pay Raises & Additional Public School Funding • Teacher raises contingent on ESA passage: o $4.85 billion set aside for teacher pay increases. o Brings total public school budget close to $100 billion. ________________________________________ 4. Interesting Amendment: Exclusion of Online Private Schools • One of the most interesting amendments in SB2 excludes online private schools from receiving ESA funds. • Only brick-and-mortar private schools are eligible. • The rationale behind this amendment is unclear but could be to prevent virtual school fraud or misuse of funds. ________________________________________ 5. Breakdown of Texas Student Enrollment (2023-2024) • Public schools: 5.5 million students (~78%) • Charter schools: 488,000 (~8%) • Private schools: 347,000 (~6%) • Homeschooling: 500,000 - 600,000 (~8-10%) Overall Shift Expected Due to ESA Program: • Public + Charter school enrollment expected to drop from 86% to 84%. • ESA funding will shift students to private schools and homeschooling. ________________________________________ 6. Eligibility & Funding Distribution Across School Types School Type ESA Eligible? Notes Public Schools No - Already publicly funded. Charter Schools Nol- A;ready Operates with public funds. Accredited Private Schools - Yes Primary target of ESAs. Private Online Schools No - Specifically excluded by SB2 amendment. Homeschooling Yes - $2,000 per student (up to $2,500 for special needs). Micro Schools Maybe - Could qualify under homeschooling/tutoring. Online Learning Centers - Maybe If classified as tutoring, could receive funds. ________________________________________ Final Thoughts • ESA vouchers will impact only about 2% of students per year, which is less than the Texas dropout rate (~6.3% over four years). • Homeschooling, micro-schools, and private schools are expected to see an increase in enrollment. • Excluding online private schools from ESA eligibility remains controversial. • Future episodes will analyze House bill drafts and amendments in more detail. ________________________________________ Podcast Information • Host: Wade Erickson • Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts • Website: TalkingTexasVouchers.com • Produced by: Innovative Education Systems, LLC & Lift Up Online Learning Centers

Podcast Summary: Talking Texas Vouchers – Episode 1 Introduction Host: Wade Erickson Focus: Foundational discussion on various school types in the context of Texas Education Vouchers. Goal: Help listeners understand different education models and potential implications of voucher programs. Supplemental materials: A downloadable PowerPoint presentation available on the podcast and YouTube sites. The podcast explores five core types of educational options and their governance, funding, curriculum, and potential use of vouchers: Public Schools: Funding: Local property taxes, state, and federal funding. Features: Free for all students in the district, regulated curriculum, state and local oversight. Charter Schools: Funding: State and federal per-pupil allocations, plus grants and donations. Features: Greater curriculum flexibility, free for students, accountability tied to performance. Private Schools: Funding: Tuition, endowments, donations, and fundraising. Features: Selective admission, specialized curriculums (e.g., religious, sports-focused), not government-regulated. Homeschools: Funding: Entirely family-funded. Features: Highly flexible and personalized curriculum, parent-led governance. Microschools: Funding: Tuition-based with potential grants and donations. Features: Small community-based learning environments, personalized pacing, unconventional settings. Traditional vs. Online: Traditional education typically involves in-person instruction. Online programs, increasingly popular post-COVID, offer hybrid and fully online options across public, charter, private, micro, and homeschool models. Innovations in Online Learning: AI-driven, personalized education is gaining traction. Examples include programs like Khan Academy and Alpha School. Public & Charter Schools: Already funded, not eligible for vouchers. Private Schools: Likely to benefit directly from vouchers to offset tuition costs. Microschools & Homeschools: Potential eligibility depending on legislative details, particularly with Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). Online Learning Centers: Child’s Learning Style: Family Resources and Priorities: Legal and Accessibility Factors: Emphasis on informed decision-making to ensure the best educational outcomes for children. Advocacy for the use of technology and vouchers to create personalized, cost-effective educational opportunities. Resources: Visit talkingtexasvouchers.com for more information, links to legislation, and additional content. Podcast platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Produced by Innovative Education Systems, LLC & LiftUp Online Learning Centers (OnlineLearningCenters.net). Disclaimer Statement: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The discussion on the Texas Education Vouchers program is intended to provide an overview of the topic and may not address specific legal, tax, or educational circumstances. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified tax, legal, or educational experts to understand the implications and potential liabilities of accepting Texas Education Vouchers when they become available. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations. Always seek professional guidance tailored to your individual situation.

Welcome to Talking Texas Vouchers! The podcast where we dive deep into the evolving landscape of education right here in the Lone Star State of Texas. I’m Wade Erickson, and I'll be your host, and I’m thrilled to have you join us as we explore one of the most talked-about topics in Texas education today—the Texas Education Voucher program. Each week, we’ll break down the latest legislative updates, unpack how vouchers might work and how they might be used, and examine their impact on families, schools, and entire communities across Texas. But that’s not all — education is changing faster than ever, and we’ll take a closer look at the role of technology in modern learning. From innovative online education tools to alternative pathways that are shaping the future, we’re here to keep you informed and inspired. So whether you’re a parent navigating school options, an educator exploring new opportunities, a policymaker shaping the future, or just someone curious about where Texas education is headed—you’re in the right place. Let’s start the conversation and chart a course for education that works for every Texan. This is Talking Texas Vouchers. Let’s dive in!