Spring is in the air, and we at TFN are feeling the love… the love Texans have for public schools! We recently put out a digital call for stories from teachers, students, parents, and community members who have been positively impacted by public education. The avalanche of responses from all corners of the state confirmed what we already knew… public schools have a special place in the hearts of Texans. And we made sure lawmakers know it, too. Read on to learn how these stories were centered at our 2025 Advocacy Day.
Thank you!!!
A huge shout-out to the 800+ Texans who sent in comments! We read every single one, from the short and sweet “Public schools are for EVERYONE!” to page-long, emotional stories of how public school and specific teachers had changed the trajectory of individual lives for the better. While we can’t highlight each one, some themes emerged.
“Public school and the teachers there gave me a safe place when I didn’t have any other place.”
Many respondents stressed that public schools give children a safe place where they can be nourished: literally and figuratively.
One person, whose family sometimes lacked housing, said, “If it wasn’t for public schools, I would not have eaten every day in the 1980s.” That person went on to become a school psychologist after her teachers and one counselor encouraged her to attend college.
Another respondent who relied on free lunches to be able to learn on a full stomach credited teachers for recognizing she was being abused by her stepfather and for calling Child Protective Services. “Public schools gave me a safe space to learn and grow up. My teachers inspired me and let me blossom into the person I am today,” she wrote.
Some of the most touching stories were ones about individual teachers’ impact on the lives of students; impact that is felt and appreciated decades later. One Texan, who as a 2nd grader was stuck in the middle of her parents’ contentious custody battle, recalled being approached by her teacher on a particularly rough day. “She simply asked if I needed a hug. When I didn’t let go she held me until it was time to get on the bus to go home. I just needed a hug. I’m almost 40 now and will never forget her.”
“I have seen my child with anxiety and ADHD flourish under great public school teachers.”
So many parents wrote in with gratitude for the care and services their children with disabilities and learning difficulties have received, including several that found private schools unable or unwilling to meet their children’s needs. One mother of a child with autism echoed the sentiment of multiple parents, stating that without his federally protected Individualized Education Program and the support of the public school system, her son would never have made the incredible progress he has. “Now, about to enter middle school, he’s an honors student and recognized for being the gifted mind that he is, and that does not happen without our public schools.”
“Public schools are the fabric of our neighborhoods, communities, and our country.”
Over and over, Texans told us public schools are the backbone of our communities; one of the few places where people from all walks of life, races, countries of origin, incomes, religions, levels of ability, etc. can come together on an equal footing and be in community with one another. Folks told us the opportunity public schools provide for every single child to access a quality education is one of the necessities for a healthy democracy, and we couldn’t agree more.
We were so moved by these stories, we knew we had to share them, especially with lawmakers who are considering multiple bills to funnel money away from public schools into a multibillion-dollar private school voucher scheme. As part of our Advocacy Day on Wednesday, April 2, excerpts from the stories were handwritten on hearts and served as a beautiful visual for the press and passers-by during TFN’s rally and press conference. Staff and volunteers then visited dozens of lawmakers’ offices and made sure each
received a copy of the comments submitted by their constituents. We also dropped off a packet of ALL responses to the Chair of the Texas House Public Education Committee and HB 3 voucher schemes author Brad Buckley. We hope his staff takes the time to read through all 176 pages to learn why his bill would be terrible for Texas.
Texans have spoken loud and clear: Only public schools are open to ALL children. Only public schools guarantee children will receive the support they need to thrive despite any disability they may have, without cost to their families. Only public schools ensure children from low-income families receive free or reduced-price meals. Only public schools should be funded with taxpayer dollars. We expect HB3 to be heard on the floor of the House sometime in the next week. Between now and then, it is vitally important that we tell the legislature to vote down ANY voucher scheme that diverts tax dollars from Texas public schools.
