Funding Public Schools Versus School Choice

The recently released budget proposal promoting school choice with Secretary Betsy Devos at the helm of education in America has astounded many. Secretary DeVos stated that the budget puts parents in charge of choosing the best school for their children as the budget allocates an additional 1.4 billion dollars for choice programs. Secretary DeVos states a desire to support states and school districts, for providing equal opportunities for all.

Under the “Every Student Succeed Act” (ESSA), more power is in the hands of the states as Secretary DeVos declares more power has been placed in the hands of the states, parents, and educators. Describing the act as providing more flexibility, accountability, and innovation, Mrs. DeVos declares that every child has the chance to learn and to succeed. Under president Obama the ESSEA owns an expectation that already existing educational programs will be improved; that are operated by states and local governments. As part of the ESSA, state assessment Grants are allocated for prevention and intervention programs for at risk, neglected, and delinquent students (Section 1401).  The law ensures accessibility to safe environments, excellent teachers, and support for preparation for success in college, a career, and life. According to NCES (2016), The Condition of Education 2016 data proves quite astounding in light of the new monies being allocated toward choice schools. See tables below. 

The threat of defunding afterschool programs for needy students and families, while providing free meals for each student is under discussion. Each day, reports on budget cuts in education, health care, and other human service programs are announced, as these programs are viewed as ineffective and not accomplishing their intent, as the government feels no obligation to continue their funding.  According to the tables listed, the majority of Americans obviously attend public school, demanding various kinds of needs. As a public-school educator, I can certainly verify the wanting budgets, and the absence of support, and resources for teachers in the public schools. After- all, working with many students at risk, of diverse ethnic groups requires much support.

On the other hand, admissions to private schools (choice schools) are competitive and for the top students who can attain such an entry. Certainly, everyone needs opportunity to achieve their best; however, I believe, that providing vouchers or incentives for students to pursue private schooling must not be viewed in isolation but rather considered for how the traditional schools will be affected by the funding per student. Promoting such an effort must have plans for proper funding and maintaining effective public schools. One must not throw out the old for seeking to advance another when the old serves the masses and is dependent on spending per student, depending on the state. Per student spending may vary from over 6,000 to as high as New York City per student costs of 20, 331. These number have changed over the years, but if a system extracts from the already struggling system to implement something new, then a major restructuring will need to occur.  

The popular or “buzzword” for President Trumps administration is “access” and is often used for replacing policies that have previously helped people. They want to provide “access” to quality education while not guaranteeing equal or fair opportunities into the schools of choice. If funding is being prioritized to improve the private sector and not improving the public schools, then we are catering to the wealthy. Devaluing public education that has educated over 50 million students; according to the recent data, while obviously promoting privatizing schooling through means of funding of 1.4 billion dollars; data shows 5.4 million are enrolled in private education demonstrates a bias and certainly does not represent care for the majority of American students.