TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
GARY VANDEAVER’S INSIGHT Public school vouchers have recently become a hot topic of debate. Although it may seem like a novel idea to some, Texas first experimented with a voucher system in 1957 as a strategy to sidestep desegregation. This privately funded initiative was a disaster. Presently, the focus is on introducing a universal voucher system across the state. Based on historical precedents, this plan is likely to be just as unsuccessful and cost Texas taxpayers billions of dollars. I’ve shared my objections to this proposed voucher system below. Vouchers do not provide “school choice” or “parental empowerment” The truth is, even with vouchers, private schools make the choices and hold all the power, not the parents. Private schools set their own admission standards. This means that even if a parent wants to send their child to a particular private school, there is no guarantee that the child will be accepted. Private schools may not always Part of the myth being perpetuated in this debate is that illegal immigrants will be given a $10,000 check per child for education when they cross the border. This is patently untrue. No one will receive a check. And I will file legislation opposing any efforts to provide educational savings accounts to non-citizens. Educational savings accounts will provide reimbursement for approved educational expenses, not flat screen TVs or football tickets. No home school parents will receive checks. They will be reimbursed for tuition, books, and fees. The average reimbursement is $1,900 per child. The notion that parents can keep their kids home and get a check from the Texas Comptroller is patently false and totally absurd. I promise that as your state representative, I will vote in the best interests of the citizens of House District 1. I will pray daily, as I do now, for the wisdom of God, and that He be glorified in what I say, what I do, and how I vote. I would be honored to have your support, vote, and prayers in this runoff election.
GARY VANDEAVER Husband, Father, Grandfather, Educator, Cattleman, and Legislator
Raised on a small family cattle operation near Clarksville, Texas, in Red River County, VanDeaver learned the importance of a strong work ethic, developed a love for the land, and solidified his faith in God from an early age. He began his career as a high school vocational agriculture teacher. Inspired by a deep-seated belief in serving others and investing in our rising generation, he eventually completed a Doctorate of Educational Administration. He became a leading voice for providing the best possible education for Northeast Texas school children. Rural Texas values continue to drive VanDeaver in his daily service to our families and communities as state representative. He is dedicated to protecting our traditional values, job growth, and economic prosperity, and to improving our schools to give every Texas son and daughter the opportunity to succeed. A fiscal conservative, VanDeaver knows how to do more with less and stretch a dollar to get a job done more efficiently. As a superintendent, he balanced and oversaw a multimillion-dollar budget and daily operations for his school district. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, he relies on this same conservative approach to fight for a balanced budget and low taxes for Texans. He further believes in the sanctity of life, promoting small businesses, bolstering rural economies, aligning education pathways with workforce needs, lowering taxes, securing our borders, and protecting the most vulnerable of our state. VanDeaver is a member of the NRA and a strong proponent of gun rights. He currently serves on the Texas Future Farmers of America (FFA) Foundation Board and has served on the Board of Directors of the Texas FFA and the Red River County Farm Bureau. He is a former board member of the Bogata Rodeo Association and Red River County Fair Association and was also president of the New Boston Lions Club and director and past president of the New Boston Chamber of Commerce. VanDeaver and his wife, Pam, have been married for 40 years. They have two adult daughters who carry on the family tradition of public service as a schoolteacher and criminal prosecutor. They are also blessed with two wonderful granddaughters and one grandson. They are members of First Baptist Church of New Boston, where Gary serves as a deacon and teaches adult Sunday School.
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BUSINESS & POLITICS
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