School Vouchers

The school choice debate has grown over the years. Now, some U.S. legislators are proposing a nationwide voucher program. Critics say the bill has flaws.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Manny Diaz have pointed to school choice as a reason that students have improved on the most recent statewide assessment of skill.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has asked for a historic $29.7 billion for public education. Florida's largest teachers union, however, is concerned about the increase per pupil and added funds for the state's voucher program.

The Florida Policy Institute says the vouchers cost the state $4 billion this school year.

The news comes almost two years after a universal voucher program took effect in the state.

Thousands of students have left Florida’s public schools amid an explosive growth in school choice. Now districts are reckoning with the financial realities of empty seats in aging classrooms.

But whether the state can take action and what that action might be are unclear

More than 386,000 applications for the upcoming school year have been submitted, surpassing the number of vouchers awarded last school year.

A state voucher program that began in the 2023-2024 school year is on pace to double in size — at least — as applications roll in from families who educate children at home and are seeking funds to make a range of purchases.

The legislative session has come to an end and bills are headed to the governor's desk. Here are some key pieces of legislation that public education watchers will be following in the upcoming school year.

Against the backdrop of favorable decisions by the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court, Florida was among nine states expanded their school voucher programs.

Florida lawmakers will meet beginning Monday for the annual regular legislative session. They’re required to pass a state budget, which Gov. Ron DeSantis released his recommendations for in December.