Texas’ chief financial officer requested that lawmakers double the amount of money available for the state's private school voucher program, resulting in a total of more than $2 billion.  In the appropriations request for 2028–29 biennium, Texas Comptroller Don Huffines wants the Legislature to raise the program’s base funding by $1 billion so more families can use taxpayer money to cover private school or home schooling costs.   Huffines also asked for an additional $226 million to accommodate funding increases for families currently participating in the program, which launched this school year. view article

One of Texas’ most high-profile charter school networks could soon begin laying off staff amid a multimillion-dollar budget shortfall, throwing its future into question just as more and more districts have turned to it to avoid a state takeover.  The Texas branch of Third Future Schools, founded by Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles, is facing a $14 million deficit, forcing it to cut many of the 700 new employees it hired this year.  view article

At least 70% of Texas kids awarded school vouchers were previously enrolled in private schools or were homeschooled, per data obtained by Axios through a request under the Texas Public Information Act.  Why it matters: The data undercuts a major argument for the vouchers — that they would chiefly help Texans hoist their kids out of failing public schools.  By the numbers: The comptroller's office is seeking $2.3 billion in the coming two-year budget to administer the program. view article

Yua and Haruki Howk left public school for a private special needs school. Their journey shows what it takes to turn a voucher into a choice.  Before the sun had crept over the neighborhood, Yua Howk was already in the kitchen, in her pajamas, gazing up at her father. He handed over a hanger with a navy dress. A smile filled her rosy cheeks.  view article

Yua and Haruki Howk left public school for a private special needs school. Their journey shows what it takes to turn a voucher into a choice. Before the sun had crept over the neighborhood, Yua Howk was already in the kitchen, in her pajamas, gazing up at her father. He handed over a hanger with a navy dress. A smile filled her rosy cheeks. The new school year means a new school for these siblings with Down Syndrome. Yua, 12, and Haruki, 14, are leaving their public school to attend the Notre Dame School of Dallas, a Catholic school for students with special needs. Affording tuition became possible after they were approved for school vouchers.  This is the first year the Texas Education Freedom Accounts are available, and more than 85,000 students will use taxpayer-funded accounts to offset private education costs. That total includes 20,700 students with disabilities. While 70% of awardees were previously in private schools or homeschooled, some families, including the Howks, will transition out of public school.  view article

The San Antonio Independent School District board voted 5-2 on Monday to hire Adrian Bustillos as superintendent. First named as the sole finalist for the job in June, Bustillos will replace Jaime Aquino, who joined the district in 2022. Aquino is taking on an emeritus role and plans to fully part ways with SAISD in January.  Bustillos joins SAISD with 20 years of experience in public education. His most recent role was chief transformation officer in Aldine ISD, located in north Houston. There, he oversaw innovative school models and the district’s school choice program. view article