Saving PUBLIC EDUCATION: Challenging SB302, Nevada’s Unprecedented Universal Voucher Program PowerPoint 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 Beneficiary child must be withdrawn from public school, still entitled to enjoy public schools’ sports activities.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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