98. Public School Funding in Texas: What San Antonio’s Business Leaders Want Lawmakers to Fix

This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown dives into the urgent conversation surrounding public school funding in Texas. With schools in the San Antonio region reaching a financial breaking point, business leaders are stepping in to advocate for change. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Mario Barrera, a San Antonio attorney and former chairman of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and Luis Rodriguez, president and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Together, they break down what’s at stake for public education in San Antonio as the Texas Legislature debates funding priorities this session. They discuss: Why Texas ranks among the worst states for public school funding The role of the business community in pushing for increased education investment The ongoing battle over school vouchers and their impact on public districts How funding decisions today will shape San Antonio’s future workforce With billions of dollars in state surplus funds available, will Texas lawmakers prioritize the needs of students, teachers, and local districts? Tune in for an essential discussion on the future of public education in San Antonio and beyond. -- --  ✉️ Subscribe to Bob's Newsletter 📝 Resources & Show Notes -- --  RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE ▶️ #45: Dr. Jaime Aquino – Leading San Antonio’s Largest School District – As Superintendent of San Antonio ISD, Dr. Jaime Aquino brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for public education. In this episode, he shares his vision for improving student outcomes, the challenges of leading an urban school district, and how his own journey as an immigrant and educator shapes his leadership. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about what it takes to create meaningful change in Texas public schools. -- --  CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify