The application deadline for the state’s new school voucher program closes tomorrow, leaving some parents scrambling to meet key requirements.
As families rush to apply, some are learning the program prioritizes students with disabilities — but only if they can provide documentation proving that need.
Under the program, qualifying students can receive about $10,000 to attend private school. Students with disabilities may qualify for up to $20,000 more, but there’s a catch.
To receive the additional funding, students must undergo a disability evaluation through their current school district — a process that can take hours spread across several days, making it difficult for some families to complete in time.
Advocates say that could leave some parents missing out.
“Seems like they’re finding out that for this time around, they’re not going to get any money past the ten thousand dollars because they didn’t know they had to have a current IEP that quickly,” said Linda Litzinger, advocacy director for Texas Parent to Parent.
Special education experts say the timeline has been challenging, especially for families who recently changed their child’s education setting.
“It’s hurting the most the kids whose IEPs are three years old, who maybe left school and homeschooled a while. This is really serious for military families who just moved here from another state,” Litzinger said.
Litzinger said this first year of the program has been a learning curve for both families and state leaders, particularly when it comes to unintended consequences.
While the program is designed to give families more educational options, she said improvements are needed — especially clearer guidance for parents on what documentation is required before applying.