A panel of Houston-area lawmakers sparked a lively and relevant conversation about the upcoming state legislative session, education and more during a panel discussion hosted by The Texas Tribune at Rice University’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies Oct. 2.
Texas state Reps. Charles Cunningham (R-Humble), Christina Morales (D-Houston) and Armando Walle (D-Houston) gathered to touch on key issues regarding the upcoming 89th legislative session, including public education funding, teacher pay, school choice and vouchers as well as the state of Harris County elections. The conversation, titled “Inside the Interim: A Conversation with Houston Lawmakers,” was moderated by Tribune politics reporter James Barragán.
“We are honored to have such a distinguished group of leaders joining us to discuss some of the critical issues that impact Houston as well as the broader Texas community,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said in an opening message to the crowd. “At Rice, we are deeply committed to fostering discussions that bring together leaders, policymakers and the community. This is where ideas meet action, and we believe that by working together, we can create solutions that benefit everyone.”
The discussion largely focused on the challenges faced by the Houston Independent School District following the state takeover under House Bill 1842 (84th Regular Session). The representatives discussed the impact on teacher morale, student experiences and accountability before the topic shifted to what the state’s role should be in the improvement of school districts and potential solutions for struggling school districts.
Morales and Walle expressed their opposition to the state takeover, citing high teacher turnover and a lack of morale, while Cunningham spoke as to why it was a necessary move, emphasizing the need for accountability and funding. The panelists agreed on the need for adequate state funding and community involvement to improve education.
“Accountability matters,” Walle said. “And we cannot have failing schools — it’s unacceptable. We have to adequately fund these schools.”
“Nationally, we are so underfunded it would take billions of dollars just to meet the national average — yet we're one of the wealthiest states in the nation,” Morales said. “So please leave here today knowing that our schools are underfunded and our teachers are underpaid.”
The panelists offered varying opinions regarding teacher pay, school choice and vouchers and their confidence in the voting process in Harris County before opening the floor to questions from the audience, which included parents of HISD students, educators and former school board trustees.
“It’s all about voting,” Cunningham said in closing. “It’s your right. Make your vote count.”
To watch the full video discussion, click here.