Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina Expand Voucher Programs Amid Public School Funding Concerns

Several states are expanding or implementing school voucher programs, sparking debate about their impact on public education funding. Tennessee launched an expanded Education Freedom Scholarship program offering 20,000 vouchers for private school tuition, though the rollout faced technical issues and parental frustration. Texas is set to begin a voucher program providing approximately $10,000 per family for private schooling, raising concerns from lawmakers about the diversion of funds from already underfunded public schools. North Carolina increased funding for its voucher program to $625 million for the 2024-2025 school year, with over 80,000 students participating, but some private schools have raised tuition significantly since vouchers were introduced. Meanwhile, Michigan faces a proposed federal voucher program that would offer donors a 100% federal tax credit for donations supporting private school scholarships, prompting calls from educators to reject the program due to fears it will drain resources from public schools. Across these states, critics warn that voucher programs threaten public school stability and finances, while supporters argue they provide families with more educational choices.