Every kid in Texas deserves a shot. Right now, too many aren’t getting one.

Zach is a dad of four, and all four of his kids go to Richardson ISD. He’s sat in the parent-teacher conferences and seen what our teachers pull off with what they’re given. They’re doing heroic work. Austin isn’t holding up its end.

Our kids are falling behind early.

Texas public schools serve 5.5 million students. In spring 2025, only 52% of third graders read at grade level, and only 46% were on grade level in math. For kids in special education, kids learning English, and kids from low-income families, the numbers were worse. A child who’s behind in third grade is far less likely to be ready for advanced classes, college, or a good career-training program. We can’t wait until high school to fix this.

We’re asking schools to do more with less.

Texas spent about $12,815 per student on school operations last year. The national average was $17,840. That puts us 46th in the country. Meanwhile, the share of uncertified teachers in our classrooms has nearly quadrupled, from 3.2% in 2018–19 to 11.9% today. Districts are getting squeezed by rising costs for staff, buses, insurance, utilities, and special education, and the state keeps leaving them to figure it out.

Austin found money for vouchers, but not for the basics.

The 2025 Legislature passed House Bill 2 with $8.5 billion for public education. That sounds like a lot. But the Basic Allotment, the core funding every district depends on to keep the lights on and pay its people, went up just $55 per student after being frozen since 2019. Most of the new money comes with strings that limit how schools can use it.

At the same time, the Legislature set aside up to $1 billion for vouchers that send public dollars to private schools with little accountability. Zach believes that’s the wrong priority.

What Zach will fight for in Austin:

• Real funding for the basics. Raise core operating funding, keep it tied to actual costs, and fund schools based on enrollment instead of daily attendance.
• Keep good teachers in the classroom. Competitive pay, real mentoring, paid residencies, and clear pathways to full certification.
• Catch problems early. Spot reading and math gaps sooner, and fund the tutoring and small-group help that gets kids back on track.
• Fully fund our highest-need students. Students with disabilities and other high-need kids deserve evaluations, specialized instruction, language services, and transportation, paid for in full.
• Hold every dollar accountable. Any program that takes public money, including vouchers, should report every year on what it spends, who it serves, and how students actually do.

Public schools are where Zach’s kids, and most kids in this district, get their start. He’s running to make sure the state stops shortchanging them.