Parent-teacher and grassroots advocacy groups are armed with to-do lists for the 84th Legislature, as lawmakers face crucial decisions about the children of Texas.
Area advocates and parents consistently talk about money as the top issue. The state's inability to arrive at a fair and constitutional school finance policy is in the hands of the Texas Supreme Court, which agreed Friday to hear a lawsuit filed by some 600 districts. But lawmakers have said they are willing to work on the issue even before the high court hears the case, which like won't be until after the session ends.
"Our number one issue really is school finance," said Carrie Stewart, president of the Grapevine-Colleyville district's Council of PTAs. "We want to see more money funneled toward education in Texas."
Other top education issues to watch: less high-stakes testing, local control of school start dates, vouchers for school choice and expanding pre-kindergarten.
"Parents it is very important that you pay attention to what is going on in this legislative session," Jessica Lavy, Arlington UEA president. "Your money, your tax dollars — what is going to happen with that money is going to be decided. We need that money in education. We need our money with our students."
Go to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for a look at the top five issues, why they matter and what to expect.
