By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
McKinney, TX – Education policy and school funding took center stage Tuesday as the McKinney PTA hosted a candidate forum for local state House and federal races. Organizers said all candidates in House Districts 61 and 67, as well as U.S. congressional and Senate contests, were invited, though “some candidates chose not to participate tonight.” A PTA representative said, “PTA is a nonprofit, and as such, we do not endorse candidates”.
Frederick Frazier, a Republican running for Texas House District 61, was the only Republican present. “Every time I do this, I’m the only Republican sitting here,” he said. Democratic participants included Brittany Black and Jackie Bescherer (HD 61), Jordan Wheatley and Emeka (HD 67), and Evan Hunt (Texas’ 3rd Congressional District). Representatives also appeared for U.S. Senate candidates James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett.
The forum was moderated by McKinney Chamber President Lisa Hermes, who reminded attendees disagreements should be settled “at the ballot box.”
Testing and Classroom Priorities
Asked about standardized testing, candidates generally said assessments have a role but should not dominate instruction.
Wheatley said, “We don’t just test the test. We use the data that we get… in our planning,” adding, “They’re kids. It’s not all about a test.”
Hunt said, “Testing is good as an indicator of trends, but it cannot become a means to an end.”
Black noted outside factors impact performance: “Food insecurity… home instability… anything that becomes a home factor becomes a student factor.”
Funding, Resources, and Teacher Pay
When asked what legislatures could do to ensure student success, candidates broadly pointed to funding and compensation, but emphasized different priorities.
Wheatley focused on classroom support, saying, “We need resources, not just money.”
Black said, “Public funds belong in public schools,” and supported “raising teacher pay for all teachers.”
Bescherer said, “Funding the schools, we need to pay our teachers… Teachers that are paid… will stay around.”
Emeka said higher pay would give educators “a peace of mind.”
Frazier said, “The pay for the teacher just needs to be up. That’s where it needs to start.” echoing the broad agreement among candidates on the need for competitive teacher salaries.
Wheatley also addressed incentive-based pay, asking, “Why are we not rewarding teachers for hard work?” but said compensation models should be considered “more holistically.”
Literacy
On literacy, candidates offered varied approaches.
Black cited early intervention, saying, “The third grade reading level is a great predictor to future outcome.”
Wheatley said, “Once they get to me in 4th grade… my curriculum does not have phonics in it.”
Bescherer said, “We really need to get back to the basics of reading of a paper and writing by hand.”
Frazier said the state “needs to have a better program” to improve literacy outcomes.
Emeka described a structured after-school model he experienced growing up, saying, “After school, every single day, we used to go to something called lesson, meaning a different way to teach you what you are missing on each subject.” He said similar funded programs could help address learning gaps.
Voucher Program
The state’s education savings account (ESA) program drew some of the clearest contrasts.
Wheatley said, “I don’t believe that we should take any public tax dollars and send them to any private school or charter school unless they are held to the exact same standards.”
Black said she would “repeal the voucher scheme.”
Bescherer said, “I am totally against the vouchers.”
Emeka said, “I don’t believe in it, because it deprives the public schools,” adding he would work “to make sure we limit it to the max.”
Speaking at the federal level, Hunt said, “For starters, we could pass a law that bans unlimited universal voucher programs.”
An audience member asked Frazier about previously opposing vouchers and later voting for the bill. Frazier said the legislation included teacher pay provisions, stating, “Was there a pay for the teachers there? Yes… That was the best possible… for those teachers at the time.”
Religion in Public Schools
Candidates were also asked about Bible passages and the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
Wheatley said, “When people ask me what I need in my classroom, I didn’t say any Ten Commandments on the wall.”
Black said, “That’s a parent’s job… It’s not our government’s job to be forcing that on children.”
Bescherer said, “If we are gonna put any type of religion in our schools… we need to put all of them.”
Emeka said, “I don’t agree… Everyone should have a choice.”
Frazier said he has “struggled with this,” and added, “I don’t like the distraction… But when I know that there is a child that may see it… and it may change them a little bit, then I don’t see a big problem.”
Closing Remarks
In their closing statements, candidates thanked the PTA for hosting the forum and urged attendees to stay engaged in the election process. Several emphasized the importance of public education, community involvement, and voter participation. Candidates also encouraged residents to research the issues, connect directly with campaigns, and vote in the upcoming election.
The forum concluded with organizers again encouraging civic participation and reminding attendees that the purpose of the event was to help voters make informed decisions.