Sue Windels: “Free Money” or Public School Heist? The Truth About Federal School Vouchers

At Advocates for Public Education Policy, Sue Windels looks ta the opportunity costs behind the federal voucher program.

There is no such thing as free money!

For years, the federal government has not adequately funded its current obligations to the public schools that serve 80-85% of the student population. The cost of this voucher program is estimated to be at least $26 billion in the first year. If that money was instead invested by the federal government to support students in under-funded public schools, it would have a profound positive impact. By even the lowest estimates, this “school choice” plan will ultimately add $260 billion to the federal budget deficit over 10 years.

What if the $26 billion was added to IDEA-Individuals with Disabilities Education Act?

The federal government agreed to cover 40% of the excess costs for special

education services to assist with the high cost of addressing the needs of students with disabilities. The federal government, however, has never met that promise. Current funding at $14.2 billion amounts to much less than 12% of the promise. Adding $26 billion to IDEA would almost triple current funding and completely pay for the federal funding obligation to IDEA.

What if $26 billion was added to Title 1?

Currently funded at $18.4 billion, increasing Title 1 funding by $26 billion would provide the support needed to address the persistent achievement gap that often exists for children from low-income families. This federal tax credit voucher program will likely do the opposite. Research shows that private school voucher programs disproportionately benefit the wealthy.

Read the full post here.