Faith-Based Funding? How School Vouchers Could Transform Catholic Education

As Texas lawmakers debate a proposed $1 billion school voucher program, Catholic schools stand to benefit significantly. With 250 campuses serving 64,000 students—more than 20% of the state’s private school enrollment—these institutions could receive hundreds of millions in taxpayer funds to help cover tuition costs.

The program would provide students with savings accounts of approximately $10,000 for tuition, closely matching the average cost of Catholic education—$8,000 for elementary schools and $12,000 for high schools. For Catholic school advocates, this funding could be transformative.

Clarence Kahlig, a businessman and longtime supporter of Catholic education, exemplifies the financial backing these schools have long relied on. Last fall, he donated $5 million and land to help build a $24 million Catholic school in Boerne, north of San Antonio. At the groundbreaking, he underscored his commitment to expanding access: “If they want a Christ-centered education, we’re going to give it to them,” he said, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.

Gov. Greg Abbott, a practicing Catholic, has made school vouchers a cornerstone of his education agenda. He and First Lady Cecilia Abbott, a former Catholic school teacher and principal, argue that the initiative would give parents greater control over their children’s education. Catholic leaders echo this sentiment, saying the program aligns with the Church’s mission to educate underserved communities.

The proposal mirrors trends in states like Florida and Iowa, where similar voucher programs have led to record enrollment in Catholic schools. Jennifer Allmon, director of the Texas Catholic Conference, said Texas has 25,000 open seats, with 90% of Catholic schools prepared to accept voucher-funded students.

While Catholic educators welcome the potential funding, critics warn that vouchers could drain resources from public schools already facing financial challenges. Several public districts have closed schools due to budget shortfalls, fueling concerns that diverting taxpayer money to private institutions could further destabilize the public system.

State Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat, criticized Abbott’s push for vouchers, arguing that it prioritizes private schools over struggling public ones. “Governor Abbott is hosting a rally at an expensive private school while families mourn the closure of three neighborhood public schools,” he said.

As the legislative debate unfolds, Catholic schools in Texas await a potentially historic shift in funding. If approved, the voucher program could provide a lifeline for institutions facing financial strain. But if it fails, Catholic education in Texas may continue to rely on donors like Kahlig to sustain its mission.