Colonel (Retired) Scott Mac Leod, Head of School at SCA, traveled to the Texas State Capitol this week as part of the Church Ambassadors Network, a coalition of pastors and religious leaders committed to strengthening faith-based advocacy across the state. During the visit, our Head of School engaged with key decision‑makers on issues impacting education and religious communities in Texas.
Meeting with the Chief Justice
The delegation’s first stop was the office of Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock of the Texas Supreme Court. There, he and his fellow ambassadors discussed the judiciary’s role in upholding religious freedoms and ensuring that faith‑based organizations remain vibrant contributors to Texas civic life. Chief Justice Blacklock emphasized the Court’s commitment to protecting First Amendment rights, and the group exchanged perspectives on how local religious institutions can partner with the legal system to serve their communities.
Conversation with the Land Commissioner
Next, the group met with Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham. As the steward of Texas’s public lands and veteran affairs, Commissioner Buckingham spoke on the importance of K-12 education in the State of Texas.
Engagement with Texas House Representatives
Representatives from District 85 and District 20 welcomed the Church Ambassadors Network at the House Chambers. Colonel Mac Leod met with two legislators who are both veterans. His first meeting was with Rep. Stan Kitzman (R‑85) who had served with him in the Army, and then spoke with Rep. Terry Wilson (R‑20), discussing a range of topics from local school funding to educational choice.
Discussing SB 2: Educational Savings Accounts
A focal point of the visit was a legislative briefing on Senate Bill 2, which proposes the establishment of Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) in Texas. ESAs will allow parents to direct a portion of state education funding into personalized accounts for eligible expenses—tuition, tutoring, textbooks, and more. Colonel Mac Leod shared data on how such flexibility could benefit families seeking faith‑based or specialized educational environments like SCA.
Building Bridges Between Faith and Policy
Throughout the day, Colonel Mac Leod underscored the importance of dialogue between religious communities and state government. “Our faith traditions compel us to serve and educate the next generation,” he remarked. “By partnering with policymakers, we can ensure that families have access to quality education that aligns with their values and aspirations.”
As the Church Ambassadors Network continues to grow, leaders like our Head of School will remain at the forefront—advocating for policies that empower parents, strengthen schools, and preserve religious liberty in Texas. This visit to the Capitol not only reinforced SCA’s commitment to excellence but also demonstrated the power of faith‑driven collaboration in shaping the future of education.