School vouchers sound like a good idea, right? Here’s some facts to consider as a voter.

Vouchers take budgeted money away from public schools.

Texas public schools have not been fully funded by state and local budgets for years. Voting in favor of expanding the school voucher program will drain Texas public schools of even more of the budgeted money they need to operate. Texas State Teachers Association explains it this way: “Vouchers or some other device for diverting tax dollars to private schools…whatever they are called – vouchers, education savings accounts, tax credit scholarships – they would undermine public schools.” Arizona Education Association decided against vouchers.

What might end up on the chopping block if public schools don’t have enough funds to offer all the services we’ve come to expect? Click here

Many Texas families can’t necessarily use a voucher Click here

There are often extra costs, loopholes, and restrictions students experience in leaving a public school to attend a private/charter school. Click here

Studies show that students’ outcomes in attending private/charter schools are generally worse or equal to public education test scores and outcomes.

I don’t have a kid in school. Why should I be against vouchers?

Taxpayers don’t get an accounting of how their money gets spent when it is diverted to a private or charter school through a voucher. This lack of transparency and accountability can lead more often to fraud and waste.

When public schools lose funding, staff and/or programs get cut. There are US public schools with no labs, lights out in classrooms, no band or choir, no nurse station or library. Think of what that might do to the local economy and community. Without public schools, many parents with special needs children have to quit jobs to care for their children – or incur huge costs in private tutoring and care. Children with prior school records (like suspension or expulsion) can be denied admission by charter and private schools.

Public schools are the only schools required to open doors to and develop educational plans for every student attending within their zones. Transportation must be provided to those students living within a certain distance of schools. This takes some of the financial and time burden off families, many of whom need to work. Private schools are not required to open its doors or get students to and from school. Vouchers are the threat that can close those doors.

Veruca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory