February 25, 2015 4:16 PM

Rep. Farney backs vouchers in a limited fashion in speech before PTA

Before crowd that is anti-voucher, Former state board member says parents have right to options

Rep. Marsha Farney, a former State Board of Education member, offered her qualified support of vouchers in a speech at PTA Rally Day at the Capitol.

Farney, R-Georgetown, a former teacher and counselor, walks a fine line in politics. She considers herself a public school supporter, signed on to a bipartisan bill on pre-kindergarten with Rep. Eric Johnson, D-Dallas, and is serving her second term on the House Public Education Committee. But Farney also has clearly identified herself as a conservative, especially when it comes to schools considered to be failing.

For instance, Farney told the audience she proudly maintained her PTA membership, even as a grandmother.

“It’s so easy to criticize the public schools, but if you want to make a difference, the first place you go is to the PTA,” said Farney, drawing applause. “PTA absolutely is the life blood of what goes on in our schools.”