Denton Parents and Teachers Rally for School Funding

News Summary

On February 27, 2025, approximately 50 parents and teachers from Denton ISD gathered at the Texas Capitol to advocate for full funding of Texas schools. The rally focused on concerns about House Bill 3, which proposes education vouchers, and the need for increased funding to support public education. Attendees expressed their frustrations about stagnant per-student funding and highlighted issues such as teacher salaries and recruitment challenges. The rally underscored the importance of community advocacy for ensuring quality education in Denton and beyond.

Denton Parents and Teachers Take Their Fight for School Funding to Austin

On February 27, 2025, the city of Denton was alive with determination, as around 50 passionate parents and teachers from Denton ISD gathered at the Texas Capitol. Their mission? To rally for the full funding of Texas schools during a critical time of legislative discussion, particularly regarding the controversial House Bill 3 that proposes education savings accounts, often referred to as vouchers.

Parents and Teachers Unite

Among the engaged group was Tanya Wright, a fervent member of the Denton ISD PTA. Together with volunteers from neighboring Lewisville ISD, they shared their concerns with local lawmakers about the pressing need for increased funding to support public education. The excitement was palpable as they converged on the Capitol, a sea of signs and spirited voices advocating for the interests of students and educators alike.

The Vouchers Debate

A hot topic of discussion during the rally was Texas House Bill 3, introduced by state Representative Brad Buckley. This bill has stirred considerable debate around the idea of allowing families to utilize taxpayer funds for private education through vouchers. Supporters argue it could offer families more educational choices, especially those with children facing disabilities. However, this notion was met with loud opposition at the rally, where the crowd voiced its disapproval of the voucher system, indicating a significant divide on the issue.

As Rep. Buckley tried to defend his proposal, the crowd’s reaction made it clear that many felt a different approach was needed. The uproar underscored the discontent surrounding public school funding and the perceived implications of vouchers on the broader education system.

Seeking Support and Solutions

Despite the ADA Texas PTA later issuing an apology to Rep. Buckley for the backlash, frustrations remained high among attendees regarding the state’s inadequate support for public education. They emphasized the pressing need for an increase in the per-student funding allotment, which has stagnated since 2019, leading multiple districts, including Denton ISD, to encounter budget deficits and hiring freezes.

The mood of the rally was further influenced by calls from PTA leaders to eliminate the current STAAR testing system. They proposed replacing it with more holistic evaluations that could better assess student learning throughout the school year.

Highlighting Teacher Needs

The rally also spotlighted the concern for teachers’ salaries. Lawmakers and education advocates stressed the urgent necessity of increasing teacher pay and fully funding schools to address the ongoing staff shortages. In Denton ISD, the alarming fact that over 100 teaching positions remain unfilled is a critical issue impacting student support and classroom sizes, making it difficult to provide quality education to all students.

Facing Challenges Together

Dr. Susannah Holbert-O’Bara, the new superintendent of Denton ISD, shared insights into the district’s challenges as it grapples with both rapid growth and financial constraints. These hurdles have even led to the postponement of the opening of a new school, a poignant reminder of the pressing issues at hand.

Hope and Advocacy

By the end of the rally, participants left feeling a renewed sense of hope. The collective advocacy demonstrated the importance of community involvement in education, highlighting that voices matter in pushing for change. As parents, teachers, and school representatives stood together, they reaffirmed their commitment to fighting for the resources needed to ensure quality education in Denton and across Texas.

As Denton continues to push for proper funding and support for its education system, the efforts of these parents and teachers serve as a powerful reminder of the need for community advocacy, underscoring that it is crucial to stand up and be heard for the future of our children.

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Additional Resources

• Denton Record-Chronicle: Fund Our Schools
• Cross Timbers Gazette: Texas Education Issues
• WFAA: Denton ISD’s New Superintendent
• NBC DFW: School Districts Ask Voters for Tax Hikes
• Community Impact: Lewisville ISD Funding Challenges
• Wikipedia: Public Education in the United States
• Google Search: Texas Public Education Funding
• Google Scholar: Texas Education Funding Issues
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
• Google News: Texas School Funding Issues