LUBBOCK, Texas — Texas Tech Public Media hosted a West Texas Town Hall event focusing on the current and future state of public education, with a spotlight on the controversial Texas voucher program. The discussion brought together political leaders, educators and community members on Monday to share their perspectives.
Panelists included Beth Bridges, president of the Lubbock ISD Board; Rev. Charles Foster Johnson, executive director of Pastors for Texas Children; Dr. Patricia Maloney, associate professor at Texas Tech; State Senator Charles Perry (R-District 28); Bob Popinski, senior director at Raise Your Hand Texas; and State Representative James Talarico (D-District 50).
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The event was moderated by Tech the Vote, a non-partisan group based at Texas Tech.
The Texas voucher program, also known as “school vouchers” or “education savings accounts,” would allow parents to use state funds, typically reserved for public education, to help pay for private or alternative schooling. This proposal has sparked a heated debate across the state.