A Message from the Superintendent

December 11, 2024

Vernon Community,

The Texas Legislature's persistent push for initiating vouchers for private schools, despite the majority of Texas taxpayers expressing opposition to this idea, highlights a concerning disconnect between lawmakers and the public they are meant to represent. Voucher programs, which redirect public funds to private and religious schools, are a contentious issue with far-reaching implications for the state's education system.

While proponents argue vouchers provide families with more choices and promote competition, opponents raise valid concerns about the potential negative impact on public schools, including siphoning off essential resources and exacerbating existing disparities. The fact that the Texas Legislature continues to prioritize advancing these voucher programs despite public resistance underscores the need for greater transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in the decision-making process to ensure policies align with the collective will and best interests of the community.

The Texas Legislature's decision to withhold funding from school districts has created a challenging financial landscape, forcing districts to make difficult decisions regarding personnel and programs. With limited resources, superintendents are left with the daunting task of balancing budgets while striving to maintain the quality of education for their students.

In the face of such fiscal constraints, some superintendents may feel compelled to wave the white flag and reluctantly make concessions that impact their staff and educational offerings, ultimately compromising the future learning experience for students. As the funding crisis persists, it becomes increasingly crucial for state lawmakers to prioritize adequately funded education to ensure public schools have the necessary resources to provide quality learning opportunities for all students.

Admittedly, I was caught off guard to learn there are plans to open a private school right here in Vernon, particularly in a public-school market I would classify as already dense. The news of a new private institution joining the educational landscape in our community raises questions about the potential impact on existing public schools and the overall choice and access for local families. With potential competition from a private school, it will be interesting to see how this development shapes the educational options available to families in Vernon and how it may influence the overall public-school system in the area.

PUBLIC SCHOOL, PRIVATE SCHOOL DIFFERENCES

When deciding on the best educational setting for their children, many parents contemplate the choice between a small private religious school and a public school. While small private religious schools may offer a more close-knit community and a faith-based education, there are significant drawbacks that should be carefully considered.

One of the primary disadvantages of attending a small private religious school is the limited diversity in terms of student body, beliefs, and perspectives. In contrast, Vernon ISD has a more diverse student population representing various backgrounds, religions, and cultures, fostering a richer environment for students to learn and grow. We actually lean into this as we see diversity as authentic and reflective of the real world.

Vernon ISD, with its diverse student population and inclusive environment, provides students with opportunities to engage with individuals from different backgrounds and develop empathy and understanding for others. As a parent, I preferred for my children to grow up respecting the differences of their peers instead of experiencing diversity for the very first time in adulthood where my level of influence in their thought process and understanding may be minimized since they are no longer part of my household.

Another drawback of small private religious schools is the potential for a narrower curriculum compared to public schools. Public schools typically offer a wider range of courses and extracurricular activities, providing students with more opportunities to explore their interests and talents. In small private religious schools, there may be limitations on the availability of certain programs, such as advanced placement courses, sports teams, music and art classes at the elementary level or performing arts groups at the secondary level, which could hinder a student's academic and personal development.

When considering this my mind immediately went to the district’s recent push to elevate our UIL academic programs. Our middle school took 112 students to a UIL academic meet. Incredibly, this is 1/3 of the entire school.

I was able to sit in on one of the many competitions taking place that day and watched two Vernon kids compete in Impromptu Speaking, where the students were given a subject, had three minutes to craft an argument of advocacy for the topic and then effectively speak to a panel of adults on their position without the use of notes. I can easily make the case of every adult having to rely, almost daily – especially in the workforce, on the skillset honed by this competition.

This is impromptu speaking at the elementary and middle levels, but turns into Speech and Debate at the high school level. Vernon High School has a very healthy Speech and Debate team led by a coach who has his kids frequently performing at the state level. A program, and others like it, rarely exists in the small or private schools due to lack of funding, the availability of a good coach, or not enough student interest to form a team.

BETTER FACILITIES, RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

Furthermore, small private religious schools may lack the resources and facilities public schools typically have access to. Public schools often receive government funding and local funding that allows them to invest in updated technology, modern facilities, and resources to support student learning. In contrast, small private religious schools may struggle to keep up with the same level of resources, which could impact the quality of education and opportunities available to students. Additionally, the small size of private religious schools may limit social interactions and networking opportunities for students, as they are exposed to a smaller pool of peers and may face challenges in developing diverse social skills and relationships.

Moreover, there may be concerns about the level of academic rigor and preparation provided by small private religious schools compared to public schools. Public schools are held to certain academic standards and accountability measures that ensure students are receiving a high-quality education. In small private religious schools, the emphasis on faith-based teachings and values may sometimes overshadow the focus on academic excellence, leading to potential gaps in students' knowledge and skills. This could impact students' readiness for college or future career paths, as they may not have been exposed to the same level of academic challenges and opportunities as their peers in public schools.

In many of these small schools or the private ones, the kids are in classes with multiple grade levels. For instance, a typical 2nd grader may be in a class with 3rd and 4th graders yet the curricular expectations are grade level specific. A situation such as this will indeed create gaps in student learning.

A great measuring stick for this is the average ACT scores of a school’s students. Vernon’s top students frequently score in the upper 20’s on their ACT tests yet the valedictorian or salutatorian of the some of these smaller schools have been observed in the teens.

While small private religious schools may offer a unique educational experience and values-based learning environment, there are several significant drawbacks to consider when comparing them to public schools. The limited diversity, narrow curriculum, lack of resources, potential academic limitations, and concerns about social development and inclusivity are important factors parents should weigh when making decisions about their children's education. Ultimately, each family must consider their values, priorities, and preferences to determine the best educational setting that aligns with their child's needs and aspirations. It is essential to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of both small private religious schools and public schools to make an informed decision that supports the holistic development and well-being of each student.

Lastly, the interest of corporations and companies setting up shop right here in Vernon continues to grow louder. A key factor for their consideration is relocating to a community with a strong school system. A well-established public education system not only benefits local residents, but also serves as a significant factor in attracting and retaining businesses.

The presence of quality schools not only supports the educational needs of employees' families but also contributes to a skilled workforce and a vibrant community environment. As communities like Vernon continue to invest in their public schools and prioritize education as a foundation for success, they position themselves not only as desirable places to live but also as attractive destinations for corporate investment and economic growth.

In order to build Vernon ISD into something special, the solution should not be to transfer your child somewhere else; instead, the solution should be to leave your child in this district and become a strong voice and partner with Vernon ISD to help create a school system that not only benefits your child but for all others as well.

Dr. Kermit Ward

Vernon ISD Superintendent