According to a new report that analyzes the financial impacts of school choice programs, these programs can save taxpayers money.
The EdChoice report analyzes different programs across 25 states and Washington, D.C.—all of which have been in place for at least five years.
In the report, EdChoice finds that in Fiscal Year 2022, school choice programs save approximately $3,300 to $7,800 per student enrolled. This comes to between $19.4 billion and $45.6 billion in savings for state and local taxpayers.
School choice programs have seen these results despite differing treatment regarding the funding of government school students versus those in school choice programs.
Generally, students enrolled in school choice programs receive only 36 percent of the per-pupil funding assigned to those who attend a government school.
Texas Policy Research President Jeramy Kitchen highlighted that the distinction between long-term and short-term effects is highly stressed throughout the report.
“When a school choice program is first implemented, the immediate savings may be smaller because of lower participation rates and start-up costs,” states Kitchen. “However, as these programs expand and more families choose private options, the long-term fiscal benefits become more apparent.”
Even though Texas has not yet implemented school choice, the findings from EdChoice’s report can offer insight for lawmakers.
“With proper design, Texas could experience the same long-term savings as states like Arizona and Florida, where school choice programs have been in place for years and have produced measurable fiscal benefits,” added Kitchen.
He further explained that if school choice is implemented, the state could see some financial relief for government schools but would need to remember that there may be some short-term loss at the beginning of implementation.
“The indoctrination happening in public schools all over the nation must come to an end, and parental rights and freedoms must be restored. The best way Texas can do that is through school choice!” wrote Kaden Lopez of Texas Family Project.
School choice is expected to be a legislative priority again for Gov. Greg Abbott and is a part of the Texas Republican Party platform.