Arizona's education spending is under scrutiny with some districts feeling the pinch of empowerment scholarship accounts (ESAs), and others potentially widening the wealth gap among students. A recent analysis by 12News found that Arizona's "no state aid" districts, where local property taxes pick up the education tab, are shelling out the full $7,400 for each student who opts to leave a public school for an ESA. This steep cost to such districts could hit between $65 and $85 million dollars.
Contrary to some beliefs, 70 percent of ESA funds are not supporting the transition of students from underperforming districts to private schools. Rather, these funds are primarily benefiting students hailing from higher-rated and wealthier areas. Details from an Arizona Republic analysis suggest that this trend continues to quietly undermine the argument that ESAs are designed to help economically disadvantaged families escape failing schools.
The financial implications of these patterns are notable, with schools in affluent districts like Scottsdale Unified feeling the pinch. According to Chuck Essigs of the Arizona School Business Association, who told 12News, "Scottsdale is certainly the largest one, but there are many other districts in the state where the state picks up the full tab for that student." This arrangement has raised questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the ESA distribution.
Moving from public to private education appears to further support children from well-off families. Nearly $15,000 per pupil from A and B schools are awarded through ESAs, while students from D and F schools receive an average of just $8,000, explained The Republic. Advocates for low-income students and those with disabilities worry that the current dynamics of the ESA program might only exacerbate educational inequities. "The opportunity to tailor the education to the needs of a child with disabilities will greatly improve these students' academic and social-emotional outcomes," Amy Pedotto, a parent of a child who benefits from the ESA program, told The Republic.
With ESAs primarily aiding students in more fortunate districts, the spotlight is now on Arizona lawmakers to reconsider the sustainability and equity of such voucher-like systems. Dawn Penich-Thacker, spokesperson for Save Our Schools Arizona, underscored this perspective, saying to The Republic, "It only stands to reason that Prop. 305 is going to widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots." Critics argue that a revision of the ESA program is essential to balance support between students of various economic backgrounds and prevent further segregation within Arizona's education system.
