Opinion: Texas Public Schools Need More Funding and Community Advocacy

Rosie Perez calls for grassroots action to strengthen public education statewide

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:09pm

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A bold, colorful grid of stylized textbooks in shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the vital role of public schools in providing educational opportunities.Vibrant, pop art-inspired imagery celebrates the power of public education to open doors for all students.El Paso Today

In this opinion piece, Rosie Perez, a former public school teacher and advocate in El Paso, Texas, argues that the state's public education system needs stronger funding and increased community involvement to support students and teachers. She highlights the importance of public schools in providing opportunities for students, but notes that Texas currently ranks near the bottom nationally in per-pupil funding. Perez advocates for legislative action, such as creating a Legacy Endowment Fund, as well as grassroots advocacy through organizations like the West Texas Alliance and Raise Your Hand Texas.

Why it matters

Texas public schools play a vital role in providing educational opportunities and setting students up for success, but the system faces significant funding challenges that impact students, teachers, and local communities. Increased advocacy and community involvement are crucial to ensuring Texas public schools have the resources they need to thrive.

The details

Perez draws on her experience as a classroom teacher and social worker in El Paso to highlight the transformative power of public education. She notes that many successful Texans, including professionals in fields like law, healthcare, and aerospace, benefited from their time in the state's public school system. However, Perez argues that Texas public schools currently lack the funding and resources they need to fully support students. Last year, the Texas Legislature provided an $8.5 billion increase in education funding, but the state still ranks in the bottom 10 nationally in per-pupil spending. Perez proposes the creation of a Legacy Endowment Fund as a sustainable funding source, and she also calls for reforms to the state's STAAR testing and school accountability system.

  • In 2026, the Texas Legislature provided an $8.5 billion increase in public education funding.
  • Perez has been advocating for public education reform through the West Texas Alliance for the past 5 years.

The players

Rosie Perez

A former public school teacher and social worker in El Paso, Texas, who is the founder and president of the West Texas Alliance and a member of Raise Your Hand Texas's Advocacy Core Team.

West Texas Alliance

A grassroots community organization founded by Rosie Perez that supports students, teachers, and staff across El Paso-area school districts.

Raise Your Hand Texas

A nonpartisan advocacy organization that works to strengthen public education in Texas through volunteer Advocacy Core Teams across the state.

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What they’re saying

“A public school classroom is a magical place. I remember the awe and wonder my teachers brought out in me. I recall the sparkle and enthusiasm I saw from my own children as they became lifelong learners.”

— Rosie Perez, Founder and President, West Texas Alliance

“The common thread is their experience in Texas public schools. It puts dreams within reach.”

— Rosie Perez, Founder and President, West Texas Alliance

“Community and collaboration are also the heart of our Advocacy Core Team at Raise Your Hand Texas. Dotted across our state, these volunteer, nonpartisan teams are a mix of former educators, business owners, faith leaders, community members and parents working arm in arm toward the same goal: supporting our public schools.”

— Rosie Perez, Founder and President, West Texas Alliance

What’s next

Perez and other advocates plan to continue pushing the Texas Legislature to increase funding for public education and implement reforms to the state's testing and accountability system. They will also work to grow the grassroots advocacy efforts of organizations like the West Texas Alliance and Raise Your Hand Texas.

The takeaway

Strengthening Texas public schools requires a multi-pronged approach of increased state funding, legislative reform, and robust community advocacy. By working together, Texans can ensure their public education system provides all students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.