HOUSTON – Education advocates in Texas are reacting to a judge’s decision to extend the state’s school voucher program deadline, calling the move a chance to reach more families and expand school participation.
Rochelle Anderson-Brown, a fourth-generation educator who holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Columbia University, said the new March 31 deadline could help families who are interested but unaware the program exists.
“Why I think is awesome, is that I’ve spoken with families who didn’t even know this program was available and some of them just applied,” Anderson-Brown said.
Anderson-Brown is the founder of The Ingenious School, which aims to empower students through future-focused STEAM programming for grades K-8. She said the extension could also give additional accredited schools time to join the program, including campuses that were not initially included.
“I believe families should be able to have choices for their students, regardless of academic rigor,” she said. “And the voucher program gives families choices.”
Some critics argue voucher programs divert funding from public schools, but Anderson-Brown said she wants to challenge that perception.
“I don’t think this voucher program is going to defund public schools; public schools will always be available,” she said. “There are some amazing public schools in our communities that will always need to be supported and nurtured.”
Why Black and Brown parents should watch vouchers closely:
Anderson-Brown said the program could be especially meaningful for Black and Brown families, who she said have historically been disenfranchised in education and may not always have access to information about alternative schooling options.
She said some families have remained in under-resourced schools simply because they didn’t know other opportunities existed.
“Underserved doesn’t mean it needs to stay underserved,” Anderson-Brown said. “This is a program that is serving our communities and allowing our communities to have access to innovative ways of learning.”
She added that as students’ needs continue to evolve, schools must adapt as well.
“Kids aren’t a monolith,” she said. “It’s a springboard and a pipeline to help the future workforce.”