Brian Lopez is a public education reporter, covering how policy and politics affect Texas’ K-12 public education system and the nearly 5.5 million kids enrolled in public schools. Before landing at the Tribune in 2021, he was the Tarrant County reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Brian is a New York native but moved to Texas after high school. He graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington, is based in San Antonio and reports in both English and Spanish.
The governor projected confidence throughout 2023 that vouchers would pass. But his insistence on universal eligibility ensured his failure to convince 21 House Republican holdouts. Full Story
The course highlights Asian Americans’ contributions in U.S. history. It also seeks to offer an honest look at the mistreatment, like the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Full Story
Senate Bill 5 would send an extra $800 million to public schools for security upgrades over the next two years. But the measure is at risk of becoming the latest casualty of the rift between the Texas House and Senate. Full Story
Despite intense political pressure, Republican Rep. Gary VanDeaver said he won’t support a bill that includes school vouchers. Rural Republicans like VanDeaver have long opposed school vouchers because of the unique role public schools they play in their communities. Full Story
The outcome was an embarrassment to Gov. Greg Abbott, who spent seven months lobbying two dozen Republicans who signaled opposition to vouchers in April. Full Story
The revised bill promises a significant funding increase for public schools and academic accountability measures for students participating in the proposed voucher program, two of the biggest requests from voucher opponents. Full Story
A deal between the governor and House would be a breakthrough after months of talks. But whether they actually have a deal is unclear. Full Story
With rural Texas relatively underserved by private schools, the potential for expansion could play a role in the debate over whether to let families use taxpayer money to pay for private education. Full Story
The ruling comes after dozens of school districts sued the Texas Education Agency, claiming the revised accountability system would hurt their ratings. Full Story
Vouchers are the governor’s top legislative priority. But he has signaled opposition to a proposed House compromise that would tie them to increased funding for public schools. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/864cf92c2a31ff2cf2f6e8fbd3b569f5/Abbott%20TPPF%20Capitol%20REUTERS.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/65df9c9717cc638277abb33be4bd5009/1213%20Indira%20Moparthi%20Asian%20American%20Studies%20JS%20TT%2003.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/ad6454c1f63aa314acc38fb6e476977f/0906%20First%20Day%20of%20School%20S2%20EL%2020.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/bf4762afabefcc48b6039bca1e0806e7/House%20Floor%20Voting%20Bill%20VanDeaver%20MG%20TT%2001.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/0d1b07cf8894820a546b0a99eafbd475/0913%20Odessa%20School%20Tours%20EH%2048.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c18a901528509e14e82683c61695c6fd/0016_Brad_Buckley_JF_May_7_TT.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8df6ddb219a0d998e38bbdaaedc41419/0602%20Abbott%20TPPF%20Lege%20Recap%20EL%20TT%2017.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/3f8ca870d69025b1227a3772d14a6afc/COVID%20Highland%20Village%20Elem%20ST%20TT%2056.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dced60a073fdb0006d6ecf67cd898314/0913%20Odessa%20School%20Tours%20EH%2031.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/7669f3de33d9cdad33ede9bb4b484f3b/0529%20Sine%20Die%20House%20EG%20TT%2001.jpg)