COMMERCE —
We are pleased with the recent ruling made by State District Judge John Dietz, declaring that the way Texas is funding public schools is unconstitutional.
The 2011 Texas Legislative Session simultaneously cut $5.4 billion from public schools while increasing its responsibilities.
A good education is key to adding productive members to the Texas workforce, so we wonder why Gov. Rick Perry would approve of such cuts and be a proponent of the voucher system, which would allow state dollars to be diverted from public schools and moved to private schools that do not have to follow the same rules as their public counterparts.
We applaud the more than 600 school districts who stood against the state in this, and more specifically, we applaud Blake Cooper, superintendent of Commerce Independent School District, for his role in giving schools and students a voice in Austin during the trial.
Statistics show that students who attend well-funded public schools perform better and have a higher college readiness rate than those who go to poorer districts.
If not acted on soon, this kind of disparate funding for schools will only serve to increase the economic divide in the country.
We echo the voice of Quinlan ISD Superintendent Micheal French, and urge the Texas Legislation to act now instead of waiting for the lengthy appeal process to run its course.
Too much is at stake to wait another year before doing what is right.
The Commerce Journal editorial staff can be reached at editor@commercejournal.com.
Opinion
Future of Texas public school children rests in Legislature's hands
- Opinion
-
-
AD sees bright future with support of community
It’s a great day to be a Lion!
-
Busy week ends with full weekend
Wow, it’s been a busy week full of surprises.
-
Road project, Tigersharks examples of city and university working together
Working together solves problems.
-
Road project, Tigersharks examples of city and university working together
Working together solves problems.
-
Ivey walks the walk, responds to comments
When Ryan Ivey was hired as the new athletic director for Texas A&M University-Commerce, President Dan Jones said he was hiring someone who would bring the university back to a nationally-recognized status.
-
It was apathy that killed the monkey
It seems that every time a new business opens up, another one shuts down.
-
Terror shouldn’t have to unite America
After the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, many people are left asking “why?”
-
Two worthy events this weekend in Commerce
Great things are happening in Commerce this weekend, and deserve the support from Commerce citizens.
-
Tom Bailey
Tom Bailey, 57, of Commerce passed away on Dec. 21, 2012, in Commerce.
-
No reason for high STD rate
More than 48,000 Texas citizens contract a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) every year.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
AD sees bright future with support of community
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
