Dallas families who received Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) this year are reporting that the promised school‑choice options have not materialized for many children with disabilities. Shundelon Ross, a mother of a 5‑year‑old with autism, received a voucher that should have covered private‑school tuition, but after touring First Baptist Academy she was denied enrollment and now must return to public school.
Program goals and early challenges
The TEFA program was created to give parents of special‑needs students greater freedom to select educational settings that best fit their children. The comptroller’s office, which administers the accounts, says the vouchers are intended to expand options beyond the public system.
According to a public‑records request, 29,400 students with disabilities qualified for TEFA this cycle, yet more than 7,400 families have already returned their vouchers. By early September a total of 27,500 students left the funds unused.
Families encounter barriers
Parents interviewed by the Dallas Morning News describe a range of obstacles. Some schools told families they could not accommodate the child’s individualized education plan (IEP). Others cited distance, high tuition—often exceeding the $30,000 maximum award—or simply failed to respond to applications.
“Private does not always mean better,” Ross said. “With more opportunity, comes more work, more heartbreak, more disappointment.”
Private‑school perspective
First Baptist Academy’s admissions director, Elizabeth Gore, explained that the school could not provide the resources needed for Ross’s son at this time. Head of school Jason Lovvorn noted that the influx of voucher applications has forced private schools to be more selective, as they must balance test scores, interviews, recommendations, and the capacity of their special‑education departments.
“It’s that full picture,” Lovvorn said. “It’s not just one factor.” He added that while some families are unable to secure a placement, many others have benefited from the program, especially larger families with multiple children.
State response and next steps
The comptroller’s office plans to survey families who opted out of TEFA to understand why they returned their funds. A spokesperson said the feedback will guide improvements to the program, including clearer timelines and better communication with private schools.
Officials also acknowledge that the rollout schedule may have contributed to the difficulty. Families began receiving award notifications in April, while many private schools make admission decisions in March, leaving a narrow window for applications.
Looking ahead
Disability‑rights advocates, such as Steven Aleman of Disability Rights Texas, warn that families lose key protections when they move to private schools, which are not required to develop or follow an IEP. Aleman called the current outcome “a black box” that leaves families stumbling in the dark.
State leaders, however, remain confident that TEFA can deliver on its promise of educational freedom. By gathering direct input from parents and working with private‑school administrators, they aim to refine the program for future cycles and ensure that more children with special needs can access the education that fits them best.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
