Texas began sending $1 billion in public education dollars to private schools this summer, and the Association of Classical Christian Schools is expanding quickly to capture that funding. The group, founded by Idaho pastor Doug Wilson, has a goal of 5,000 schools and 1.5 million students within a decade. One Texas school in the network could receive $3.5 million in state funds, close to 17% of its annual budget, and the income limits mean a family of four earning up to $165,000 can qualify to apply.

For residents of Waxahachie, the local angle is simple: public school budgets here follow enrollment. When a student transfers out, the state dollars that support their classroom can leave with them, which has school boards across Ellis County doing long-range math. Supporters of the program say it gives middle-income families access to a conservative, faith-based education they could never otherwise afford. Critics argue it drains public campuses and blurs the line between church and state, especially given Wilson’s self-described Christian nationalism.

Neither side is going away, and the program’s rollout is still in its early stages. What we do know is that decisions made in Austin are now showing up on kitchen tables and campus budgets right here at home.

Where do you land? Should state money follow students to private schools, or should it stay with our public campuses?