Senate discusses income caps for EdChoice Scholarships funding in Lakota schools

The Lakota Board of Education held a special meeting on March 12, 2025, to discuss various topics, including the EdChoice Scholarship program and its implications for local families and schools.

One of the primary discussions centered around the income eligibility for families applying for vouchers. It was clarified that families can qualify for the EdChoice Scholarships if their income is up to 450% of the poverty level. However, as families' incomes increase, the amount of state funding they receive through the scholarship decreases. For instance, the maximum scholarship amount is $8,407 for high school students and $6,006 for students in grades K-8.

The meeting highlighted the high property values in the Lakota and Liberty areas, with average home prices around $500,000 and $440,000, respectively. This context suggests that many families in the district may not receive the full scholarship amount due to their higher income levels.

It was also noted that while the state funding follows the student to their chosen school, local property tax and federal funding remain with the Lakota district, regardless of whether the student attends a private institution. This means that the district continues to receive a base amount of funding for each student, even if they utilize a voucher for private education.

Additionally, it was mentioned that families at the highest income levels only qualify for 10% of the total voucher amount available, indicating a tiered approach to scholarship distribution based on income.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of the EdChoice program and its impact on local education funding, as well as the varying levels of support available to families based on their income. The board's discussions will likely influence future decisions regarding educational funding and support for families in the Lakota district.