Rural Texas communities, many of which are predominantly white, face significant challenges that are expected to worsen under the policies of Governor Greg Abbott and President Donald Trump. As the state's rural areas continue to struggle with poverty, limited educational opportunities, and unemployment, the push for school vouchers and potential reductions in federal funding for education threaten to further harm these vulnerable communities.

The Struggles of Rural Texas

In 2021, the poverty rate in rural Texas stood at 17.3%, notably higher than the 13.9% found in urban areas. The unemployment rate in these regions was also a concern, reaching 4.3% in 2022. Educational disparities persist, with 18.3% of the rural population lacking a high school diploma from 2017-2021, highlighting the challenges faced by rural families striving to improve their circumstances.

Despite these struggles, the state's rural population is large, accounting for approximately 8.1% of the state's total population, with rural counties such as Caldwell, Val Verde, and Erath being among the most populated. These communities historically face significant socio-economic challenges in accessing education and economic opportunity.

The Impact of Governor Abbott’s School Voucher Program

Governor Abbott's school voucher program aims to allocate state funds to families for private schooling, potentially diverting resources from public schools. The program offers a $10,000 voucher, but with private school tuition typically ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 annually, many rural families may still be unable to afford private education. Furthermore, private schools are not required to accept all applicants and do not have to provide a reason for rejecting a child. They are also not obligated to offer transportation, and their teachers do not have to be accredited. Rural regions often lack private school alternatives, meaning that families may not benefit from the program even if they choose to participate.

The voucher program also risks cutting funding from already underfunded public schools, which are the primary education option for most rural children. With rural schools operating on tight budgets, public education could be further strained, leading to potential teacher layoffs, cuts to extracurricular activities, and reductions in essential services for students who remain in public schools. The loss of funding could also have serious implications for students with special needs, who depend on public schools to access necessary support services. Private schools, in contrast, are not required to offer these services.

While some argue that vouchers might foster competition and force public schools to improve, the reality is that many rural communities do not have access to viable private school options, meaning this benefit would likely be minimal.

Trump’s Cuts to Federal Education Funding

President Donald Trump’s efforts to cut or dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, is exacerbating these challenges. Rural Texas schools rely heavily on federal funding, and cuts to programs such as Title I, which helps low-income schools, or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which funds special education, will have devastating consequences. Rural schools will lose access to critical resources, increasing class sizes, reducing teacher retention, and making it harder for students with disabilities to receive the education they need.

Additionally, programs like the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), which supports rural schools with teacher training and technological resources, will be slashed, leaving many districts scrambling to make up the difference. Without federal funding, rural schools could face closures, teacher layoffs, and a lack of basic educational services, further entrenching the cycle of poverty.

Losing Support for Vulnerable Students

The elimination of funding for key programs will also hit vulnerable students hardest. For rural area students—particularly those from low-income families, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities—education-related DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs have provided crucial access to scholarships and grants, helping many pursue a college education.

Programs like the Pell Grant and the TRIO programs help rural students access college and career pathways, but these could be diminished or eliminated under further cuts to federal funding.

The loss of these DEI initiatives would decrease awareness of available funding and opportunities for many students, leaving them at a disadvantage when it comes to pursuing higher education. Programs targeting underrepresented students in rural areas could be slashed, impacting access to scholarships, career readiness programs, and mentorships, all of which have been essential in helping rural Texas students succeed.

A Bleak Future for Rural Texas Communities

With the combination of Governor Abbott’s school voucher program and President Trump’s cuts to federal education funding, rural Texas communities will face even greater difficulties in the coming years. As education options shrink, public schools face further strain, and federal support for rural students evaporates, these areas may find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty and limited opportunity.

For many rural families in Texas, these policy decisions risk undermining their children’s education, economic mobility, and long-term success. Without concerted efforts to protect and invest in these communities, the future looks increasingly uncertain.