Decisions are made by people who show up to vote.
The consequences of the upcoming elections on March 5 are especially high for public education. Those we elect to the Texas Legislature will make key decisions affecting our students, teachers, families and local public schools.
In 2022, 46% of registered Texas voters turned out for the November general elections. However, just 18% of registered voters cast ballots in either of the primaries earlier that year. This means that decisions are being made by a relatively small group of Texans.
Making your voice heard starts with voting in the upcoming primary elections. The primaries can determine how much funding local schools receive, whether state lawmakers will increase salaries for teachers, or allocate additional dollars to support unfunded mandates for school safety and security.
This is why public education supporters need to engage proactively in this year’s primaries. Early voting runs Feb. 20 through March 1, and Election Day is March 5. Any registered Texas voter can vote in either party’s primary. More information about how and where to vote is available at votetexas.gov.
We encourage all registered voters to do their homework and learn about the candidates and their positions before they vote. It is also important to find ways to engage with candidates and ask about their positions on education, as well as other key issues.
This spring, we should all take seriously our responsibility as citizens to show up and play our part in deciding which candidates will be on the general election ballot in November.
After you vote, encourage your friends, family and colleagues to go to the polls. You have influence with others, even if it’s just a small group. The future of our public schools — and our state — could well depend on how many voices are heard.
On behalf of our schools and our communities, your Grayson and Fannin County Superintendents:
David Kirkbride, Denison ISD
Tyson Bennett, Sherman ISD
Tricia Meek, Bells ISD
Kelly Trompler, Bonham ISD
Matt Davenport, Collinsville ISD
Bruce Mauppin, Dodd City ISD
Jennifer Morris, Ector ISD
Brad Lane, Fannindel ISD
Scott Martindale, Gunter ISD
Todd Morrison, Honey Grove ISD
Kevin Wilson, Howe ISD
Brad Maxwell, Leonard ISD
Kevin Matthews, Pottsboro ISD
Sam Talley, Savoy ISD
Jeff Russell, S&S CISD
Josh Ballinger, Tioga ISD
Steve Goodman, Tom Bean ISD
Jeremy Strickland, Trenton ISD
David Brown, Van Alstyne ISD
Ryan Harper, Whitesboro ISD
Brian Garner, Whitewright ISD