SBOE Cuts Public School Funding

To the editor:

As a concerned voter and avid supporter of public school funding, I am writing to express my strong opposition to SBOE Chairman Aaron Kinsey’s recent decision to divest $8.5 billion in public school funding based on a cynical political calculation.

This reckless move appears to be driven by the influence of billionaire donors in the oil and gas industry rather than the best financial interests of the Permanent School Fund and Texas schools.

SBOE staff warned that this divestment could lead to higher fees and lower returns, ultimately hurting our already underfunded schools. At a time when many Texas schools are facing layoffs and closures, we cannot afford to gamble with these critical education dollars.

I want Chairman Kinsey to reconsider this decision and commit to making investment choices solely on performance and transparency, not politics. His fiduciary duty is to safeguard the returns of the Permanent School Fund for the benefit of Texas schools and taxpayers, not to protect the interests of any particular industry.

To Mr. Kinsey and Mr. Maynard, please prioritize the needs of our schools and students by reversing this illadvised divestment and pledging to keep partisan politics out of investment decisions as we move forward.

Kirk Pate Flatonia