This piece was co-authored by WVCBP executive director, Kelly Allen, and WVCBP senior policy analyst, Sean O’Leary.
State-funded vouchers use existing state funds intended for public schools and instead redirect them for use in non-public, private education programs. Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are a form of these state-funded vouchers. The primary difference between ESAs and traditional vouchers is that with ESAs, the public funds go directly to the family of the student – rather than the private school – and can be used for almost any educational services and supplies, involving less oversight than with traditional vouchers.
Our school districts are struggling to keep up with increased costs as funding levels remain flat. ESAs could divert significant amounts of money away from the public education system in the wake of a pandemic when children are returning to in-person public schooling and resources are needed more than ever.
Find the full Fast Facts sheet here.
