Former superintendent speaks out against school choice bill

LUFKIN — A former Lufkin ISD superintendent spoke against House Bill 3 during a House Committee meeting on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, Roy Knight, who was in the education industry for over 40 years, testified against HB 3 that would use state funds to pay for private schools, homeschooling and other educational services. The bill would also create more flexibility for parents to choose their child’s education.

“This bill is a skunk that we’re trying to pass off as a kitty cat,” Knight said.

The bill argues that directing funds toward private schools will enable competitive pay for public school teachers. However, Knight contends that Lufkin has remained competitive with other schools for years. He also stated that public school teachers are frustrated by the implication that they have not been working hard until private schools became more popular.

Knight said this bill wastes more government funds than any other bill that has come through. “This bill provides the opportunity for most waste fraud and abuse than any bill that’s ever come through,” Knight said.

Texas legislatures are still contemplating whether HB 3 should be passed. Gov. Greg Abbott recently named the issue an emergency item and put the bill atop of his legislative priorities.