I was honored to again give an invocation for the #FWISD council of PTAs annual founders day luncheon on Tuesday Feb 12th. Remembering the diverse group of women who founded this organization 120 years ago. That continues to be a critical part of the support for our public schools. Martin Luther was a strong advocate for education for all. Indeed we today must be advocates for strong public schools that invite all to the dream of education.

Always enjoy hearing from Superintendent Kent Scribner and his vision for the continued improvement of this strong urban school district. He noted Texas is 43rd nationally in funding per student but 23rd in student achievement. While a good return on investment he reminded us “mediocrity is not very Texan.” Indeed, our schools are doing well with less. But there are serious justice issues and equity issues involved in public school finance. We as people of faith have something to say about that. I am grateful for my friend, and Baptist of the year, Charles Foster Johnson and his organization http://pastorsfortexaschildren.com/our-leadership who have consistently worked for justice for all children in Texas.

I concur this is a vital priority and will be in Austin in March for the Lutheran/Episcopal legislative advocacy days. Part of that will be urging state school finance reform that reforms property tax but not at the cost of our students #FWISD #TexasPublicSchools #WestcliffWranglers #PTA

Bishop Erik Gronberg, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, visits to give the invocation at the Fort Worth ISD Council of PTA’s Founders Day Luncheon, Tuesday, February 12, 2019.