Saving PUBLIC EDUCATION Challenging SB 302 Nevadas Unprecedented
Saving PUBLIC EDUCATION: Challenging SB 302, Nevada’s Unprecedented Universal Voucher Program Power. Point presentation courtesy of Educate Nevada Now, Powered by the Rogers Foundation
ESA Voucher Program Overview • SB 302 “Education Savings Account” or voucher bill, passed the last week of 2015 legislative session. • $5, 100 or $5, 700 per pupil diverted away from public schools to private schools/entities and other private uses (e. g. computers, curriculum, evaluation services). • Beneficiary child must be withdrawn from public school, still entitled to enjoy public schools’ sports activities. • No restriction on eligibility except attending at least one public school class for 100 consecutive school days immediately prior to applying. – Treasurer’s Regulations further expanded by exempting Ks and military from 100 -day attendance requirement. (approved by Legislative Commission in November 2015)
Lopez v. Schwartz Challenge Lawsuit brought by a group of parents, filed in Carson City, before Judge Wilson Claimed that SB 302 violates the NV constitution: • By diverting public school funding to pay for private school vouchers; • By reducing public school funding below the amount necessary for their operation; • By exempting voucher schools from public school accountability, performance and anti-discrimination requirements.
Lopez v. Schwartz Order • January 13 – Judge Wilson granted a preliminary injunction, finding the voucher program most likely violates Art 11, Sec 6 of the NV Constitution (Education First amendment) – Public school dollars are set aside first in the budget process, and cannot be reduced from the level deemed sufficient by the Legislature • September 29, 2016 – NV Supreme Court Agreed, permanently enjoining the funding scheme. • PARENTS WON! Justices agree, public school dollars should be protected; the NV voucher program is unconstitutional.
The Fight Isn’t Over • The Treasurer continues to accept and process applications to the voucher program, hoping it will be funded someday • Using money borrowed from the Interim Finance Committee with expectation that an allowable 3% fee on each voucher will eventually repay the half million dollar debt! • The Governor has proposed $60 million over the next biennium (25/35 for each year) to jumpstart the voucher bill • We must make our voices heard – our schools are chronically underfunded, pre-K, weighted funding, and other initiatives proven effective should be funded instead of vouchers
Vouchers Aren’t the Answer • Majority of voucher applicants are from wealthy neighborhoods, and are more likely able to afford the choice without a government subsidy • Studies continue to show vouchers actually worsen outcomes for low income kids, and fail in multiple other ways • Virtually NO accountability on private schools • And they’re free to discriminate in ways prohibited by public schools • Most private schools well out of reach due to their high tuition costs, even with a voucher!
Applicants per 1, 000 school-aged children
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