Protect Neighborhood Schools
The Arizona legislature has decided to fast-track a massive expansion of Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) voucher eligibility to all Title I school students. ESA is an account similar to a checking account with 90% of the state funding that would have been received by the school the child previously attended. The funds can be used for tuition and fees at a private school, testing fees, bank fees charged for the management of an ESA. This costly idea means almost 3 out of every four students could be accepted into a program with now accountability what so ever.
HB2291 and SB1236 expand Empowerment Scholarship Account vouchers (ESAs) to all students in Title I schools. This means over 800,000 children, or 73% of public school students, could be accepted. Take a moment to email your legislatures your concerns.
Not only are these two bills being considered, but legislatures are proposing SB1100 as well. SB1100 requires districts to report their unused building in the last 48 months to offer it up for sale or lease to charter or private schools. This dangerous bill would take the decision of how these public facilities are to be used out of the hands of the locally-elected school board and voters.
Category: General
