The Peoria Unified School district governing board voted to adopt a resolution opposing expansion of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs), saying the program reduces funding available to district schools.

Board members debated the resolution after administration presented language from the Arizona School Boards Association. The board approved the resolution following public and member discussion about parental choice, impacts on special education services and the effect on district finances.

The resolution draws on language prepared by the Arizona School Boards Association and urges reconsideration of the state law expanding ESAs. Administration noted the legislature'enacted law expanding ESAs beginning in 2017'18; board members said the district must protect resources for its roughly 37,000 students. Board member David Sandoval argued the district should speak out because the program could erode resources for public schools. Board member Judy Doan said she supports choice but not if public funds flow out of public schools to private providers. Ken Hicks, speaking as district staff during the discussion, described how ESA payments compare to the state funding the district receives and said the general fund must make up differences, a dynamic he said would erode resources for remaining students.

After debate, Board Clerk Monica Seja Martinez moved to approve the resolution; a board member seconded and the motion passed.

The board did not adopt ordinance-level language or change district policy; the action is a formal statement of position that district officials said they will share with the state association and legislators.