School Vouchers: The Real Cost to Public Education

Every child deserves a quality education—one that equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. Public schools are the only system built to serve all children and so many of our families, communities, and futures depend on them. Vouchers are just one example of political attacks designed to distract us while draining resources from the public schools we rely on for things like nutritious meals, mental health support, and career training. Despite voters across the country rejecting vouchers at the ballot box this past November – politicians have only continued to push unpopular efforts to defund public schools and send taxpayer dollars to private schools.

So, what exactly are school vouchers, and why should parents, educators, and community members be concerned?

What Are School Vouchers?

School vouchers are government-funded subsidies that allow families to use taxpayer money to pay for private school tuition. On the surface, this might sound like a harmless opportunity for school choice. However, the reality is that vouchers drain critical funding from public schools, weakening the only system built to serve all kids, 

Who Loses?

Public schools—and the students who rely on them—suffer the most under voucher programs. When public dollars are funneled into private institutions, the schools left behind face severe consequences including:

• Less Funding: Public schools lose essential resources, making it harder to maintain quality programs, update materials, and pay teachers.
• Fewer Opportunities for Students: Underfunded schools often have to cut programs like arts, sports, and extracurricular activities — key components of a well-rounded education.
• Strained Teachers and Staff: When funding decreases, class sizes increase, and teachers are stretched thin, leading to burnout and higher turnover rates.

Who Benefits?

The biggest winners in the voucher system are private schools and corporations—not students. Unlike public schools, private institutions can pick and choose who they accept, which means they can also reject students for any reason, including academic performance, disability status, or financial background. Even with vouchers, many families cannot afford the remaining tuition costs, leaving the promise of “school choice” out of reach for those who need it most.

The Bottom Line: Public Funds Should Support Public Schools

Public schools are the only system designed to serve all children. When we take money away from the public schools our communities rely on, we’re not offering families real choices.We want quality education for our communities and cannot abandon the public schools that help so many children prepare for their future.

How You Can Take Action

We need to strengthen our public schools, not weaken them, to ensure every child has a fair shot at a quality education. Parents, educators, and community members have the power to stand up for our kids.  Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Stay Informed: Learn about voucher proposals in your state and understand their impact on public education.
• Attend School Board Meetings: Voice your concerns about voucher programs and advocate for stronger public school funding.
• Support Local Advocacy Groups: Many organizations are working to protect public schools—find one to support or get involved with.
• Use Your Voice on Social Media: Share facts, personal stories, and advocacy messages to spread awareness about the dangers of school vouchers.