The following is my perspective as District 6 representative on the State Board of Education. I am not speaking on behalf of the Nebraska State Board of Education.
Where do I stand on Opportunity Scholarships? I support public schools AND Opportunity Scholarships. The two are not mutually exclusive. I believe most of us would agree that one form of education is not the best fit for all children. Thus, educational options are important. And for many, sending their children to a non-public school is cost prohibitive. Opportunity Scholarships will make this a viable option for a significant number of families, making an educational difference in the lives of children. Priority for receiving these scholarships include:
• Students from middle to lower-income families
• Students with special needs
• Students who have experienced bullying
• Students in the foster care system
• Students from military families
• Students who have been denied option enrollment by public schools What about the funding of Opportunity Scholarships?
Opponents claim these scholarships will take tax money away from public schools. Not so. Opportunity Scholarships provide tax credits which are not taxpayer dollars that would otherwise be directed to public schools. (Please reread that last sentence.) And as evidenced by the actions of this year’s legislature, decisions have been made to ensure our public schools are provided for financially. During the 2023 session, our legislature increased K-12 public school funding by $1.309 billion including $309 million whereby every public school will receive at least $1500 per student. The state will nearly double its reimbursement rate for special education from around 42% to 80%. The legislature set aside $1 billion in the Education Future Fund to ensure new commitments can be met even if revenues are under projections. And lastly, it committed an additional $10 million to teacher retention and recruitment. Nebraska taxpayers and our legislature are generously supporting our public school system.
What about rural Nebraska where school choice options are less available? From what I hear, many parents and community members living in rural areas have confidence in their public schools and are satisfied with the education their children receive. To the staff of those school districts I say, “Keep up the great work; carry on!”. However, there are districts across the state, perhaps more often larger ones, where this is not the case. Parents may require a different choice in order for the needs of their children to be met. Opportunity scholarships support this need.
Another aspect worth considering is the potential impact this may have on young families considering to make Nebraska their home. Wouldn’t they want educational options for their children? Forty-eight other states have school choice options; Nebraskans should too. Let’s not only keep young families in Nebraska but draw others to our great state as well.
Before signing any petition, I encourage you to do your homework. Read the actual legislative bill LB 753, ask questions of the sponsors, and read information provided by both supporters and opponents.
Take time to ask questions and check for accuracy of information. For more information on school choice, check out afcnebraska.com.
I believe Nebraskans can support public schools AND Opportunity Scholarships. It’s time for Nebraska to give parents viable educational options for their children.
Sherry Jones
District 6 representative on the State Board of Education