Columns & Opinions

A large group of people gathered for a debate in Texarkana between the incumbent, Gary VanDeaver, and challenging candidate Chris Spencer on May 16, 2024, in Texarkana. The debate was sponsored by the Texarkana Gazette and was held in the Truman Arnold Building, on the Texarkana College Campus.

After the guns fall silent and the parades pass by, how should a family, friends, and a community continue to remember those who give their lives for their country? While politicians and scholars debate the impact of particular wars, those closest to those men and women who perished in war are left with the bitter tears and broken hearts. As a way to honor the fallen and grieve their loss, Memorial Day was established as a day for that purpose. The modern observance has its roots in the Civil War.

The State Representative race is not what’s on the ballot in May – the future of school funding for all of Texas is. I worry that our community does not realize the critical decision that we singularly possess. We have a responsibility to the future of Texas to show up and vote on May 28. As a lifelong educator and assistant superintendent for Pleasant Grove ISD, I’ve witnessed firsthand that our community’s schools are more than just educational institutions. They are the very pulse of our town, shaping the future for our children, serving as our largest employer, and contributing to the vitality of our community. Now, Gov. Abbott and his billionaire benefactors want to subsidize charter schools, which will take away funding from our local schools. He then is baselessly attacking Republicans that are protecting our public schools. VanDeaver’s steadfast commitment to public schools sets him apart in this race. As a 33-year career educator, a former superintendent and one of the few Republican representatives to vote against state-funded voucher programs, he is dedicated to quality education for all Texas students. Early voting runs May 20 - 24, and election day is May 28. Join me in showing up to vote for the future of public schools in Texas by voting for Gary VanDeaver. Carla Dupree