Who makes decisions about public education?
As you get ready for the November 3rd election, it is helpful to keep in mind that elected officials at every level of government make decisions about public education. Lots of people don’t know who does what, so this week we will give a little primer.
Federal: Federal funding accounts for 8% of all public education funds. Federal education dollars are distributed through the U.S. Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services Head Start program, and the Department of Agriculture’s School Lunch program. Federal funds account for Title 1 and IDEA money.
The President of United States appoints the Secretary of Education, submits a draft budget to Congress including education funding, has the power to veto bills, and chooses policy agendas to promote priorities such as vouchers, charters, testing, and other important issues.
The United States Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) writes and passes laws about public education, including assessment, accountability, funding, charters, vouchers, and more. It also passes the budget, including distribution for federal education funds. Congress also holds hearings on policy issues to carry out its oversight function. The Unites States Senate also confirms presidential appointments, including the Secretary of Education.
State of Texas: The Texas Legislature sets the formulas that determine 92% of the funding available to schools. Most public education policy comes through the Texas Education Code which is determined by the Texas Legislature.
The Texas Governor appoints the Commissioner of Education who interprets laws on funding, testing, accountability, approves charter applications and extensions, and oversees teacher certifications. The governor has the power to veto bills and has line item veto over the state budget. The governor also sets emergency items and calls legislative sessions.
The Texas Lieutenant Governor presides over the Senate and determines which bills will be heard. He or she appoints Senate committee chairs. The Lieutenant Governor is said to hold the most power in the state.
The Texas Legislature (Texas Senate and House of Representatives) writes laws governing funding for public schools, testing requirements for Texas students, designs the accountability system for Texas districts and campuses, oversees the TEA commissioner, and writes laws about voting that are carried out by Texas counties. The Texas House elects the Speaker of the House who sets the agenda and appoints committee chairs in the House of Representatives.
The State Board of Education (SBOE) writes the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the curriculum for all public school students. The SBOE approves or denies applications for new charters.
Local school boards hire and set goals for their superintendent, pass district policies, determine how funding is distributed within district, put bonds (to address school buildings and infrastructure) up for election, set the tax rate for school property taxes, pass the school district budget, and make final decisions on firing of teachers.
To Do:
- Learn about state legislative and SBOE candidates on Teach the Vote.
- Watch and ask questions at local, state, and federal candidate forums.
- Follow TEV on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Sign up for Voter updates and voting text alerts.
Social media posts to share:
“Candidates at every level of government make decisions about public education. Vote! #Txed #Txlege #Vote #TxEdVote
“Learn who does what and vote! #TxEd #TxLege #Vote #TxEdVote
“Education is on the ballot!” #Txed #Txlege #Vote #TxEdVote
Do your research and VOTE!
Laura Yeager
Texas Educators Vote