North Carolina expands private school vouchers by $463M but raises tuition significantly

During the recent Board of Education meeting held by Henderson County Schools, significant discussions emerged regarding the expansion of North Carolina's private school voucher program. The state has allocated an additional $463 million for the current school year, bringing the total cost of the program to a staggering $6.5 billion by 2033. This expansion raises critical questions about its impact on families and public education.

Data presented at the meeting revealed that the top 24 private schools in North Carolina received substantial funding from the voucher program, with amounts ranging from $670,000 to $1.5 million this school year. In response to this influx of funds, these schools raised their tuition by an average of 6.7%. Interestingly, 11 private schools that do not accept vouchers experienced a similar tuition increase, suggesting that the financial benefits of the voucher program may not be reaching the families it aims to support.

Looking ahead, the 24 schools that accept vouchers plan to increase tuition by an alarming 15.8% next year, while the non-voucher schools anticipate a much smaller increase of 4.5%. This disparity raises concerns among advocates for equitable education, as it indicates that the voucher program may not be making private education more accessible for families who struggle to afford it.

Proponents of the voucher system argue that it provides opportunities for families to choose private schooling. However, the data suggests that the majority of North Carolina families still find private schools financially out of reach, even with the expansion of vouchers. As tuition continues to rise, many families may not see any real financial benefit from the program. Instead, it appears that private schools are the primary beneficiaries of the funding, while public schools face the challenge of reduced financial support.

This discussion highlights a broader concern about the state of public education in North Carolina, which already ranks 48th in the nation for school funding. As the Board of Education continues to navigate these complex issues, the implications of the voucher program will remain a critical topic for the community, impacting the future of education for many families in Henderson County and beyond.