Governor Greg Abbott is withholding funds from public schools in Texas as part of his push to establish a school voucher program, also known as Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). This program would allow parents to use public funds to pay for private education expenses. Abbott's efforts to pass the voucher program have faced resistance from Democrats and some rural Republicans, who argue that it would divert critical funding from public schools. The withholding of funds is intended to pressure the legislature to pass the voucher program​ (The Texas Tribune).

Dear Governor Abbott, Cy-Fair ISD School Board, and Texas Legislators,

We, the concerned parents, educators, students, and community members of Cy-Fair ISD, are deeply alarmed by the recent $138 million budget deficit that has led to drastic and devastating cuts to our school district. The decision to reduce and remove critical bus routes and lay off more than half of the librarian staff reducing them from 92 to 42 is not just a budgetary issue—it is an attack on the quality of education and the future of our children.

The Impact:

• Reduced Bus Routes: Many students now face unsafe or unmanageable commutes to school evidenced by dozens of parent and student videos and stories on social media, putting their safety at risk and potentially lowering attendance rates.
• Librarian Layoffs: Libraries are the heart of our schools, providing essential resources, fostering a love of reading, and supporting student research. The loss of librarians will severely hinder our children's learning opportunities.
• Overall Quality of Education: These cuts will erode the educational environment that our students need to thrive, particularly those from underserved communities who rely on school resources the most.

Our Request:

1. We urge Governor Abbott and the Texas state government to release the $30 billion in withheld funds to adequately support Cy-Fair ISD and other school districts facing similar challenges.
2. We demand that the Cy-Fair ISD School Board take immediate action to seek alternative solutions that do not compromise the safety, education, and well-being of our students.

Why This Matters:
Education is the foundation of our community and our children's future. These budget cuts are a direct threat to the quality of education and the opportunities that should be available to every student in Cy-Fair ISD. By taking action now, we can ensure that our children have access to the resources, safety, and support they need to succeed.

What You Can Do:
Sign this petition to show your support for our students and demand that Governor Abbott, the Texas Legislature, and the Cy-Fair ISD School Board take immediate action to restore funding and reverse these harmful budget cuts.

Together, we can protect our children’s education and ensure that they have the bright future they deserve.

#SaveOurSchools #FundOurFuture #ProtectCyFairKids