Teacher Tea
School Choice: A Double-Edged Sword?
Do school voucher programs undermine public education?
In NEA Today’s “When Voters Get to Decide, Vouchers Lose,” writer Tim Walker discusses how educators in Nebraska, Kentucky, and Colorado are mobilizing against school voucher programs, which divert public funds to private schools. Nebraska voters will decide whether to repeal the state's new voucher law, LB1402, which educators argue threatens already underfunded public schools. Similarly, in Kentucky, Amendment 2 could dismantle a constitutional safeguard preventing public money from funding private education. Colorado's Amendment 80 proposes enshrining a right to "school choice," potentially paving the way for vouchers. (See our previous post about this, below)
Opponents have pointed out that vouchers often benefit families already using private schools and don't necessarily improve educational outcomes. Walker also shares evidence that vouchers siphon funds from public schools without increasing accountability or inclusivity in private institutions. Educators are working to inform voters about the potential negative impacts and the risks of undermining public education systems.
Voucher laws can significantly impact public education funding and student enrollment. This can lead to potential decreases in teacher salaries, larger class sizes, and fewer resources for public schools. Teachers across the country have expressed concern that voucher programs might divert funding from public schools to private or religious institutions, potentially leading to a decline in the overall quality of public education.