In response to pressure from Republican lawmakers and parent groups, the Arizona Board of Education scrapped a plan to impose spending caps on certain purchases under the school voucher program. Superintendent Tom Horne motioned to suspend the proposed Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) handbook for the 24–25 school year, opting to continue with the existing handbook instead. The proposed changes, which aimed to restrict “extravagant” purchases, were met with objections, including concerns from parents. Critics, including board member Anna Tovar, expressed concerns about the lack of accountability in the ESA program, especially with the rejection of spending limits. The rejection of the spending limits will likely fuel criticisms about the program’s accountability, particularly in light of recent controversies, including a data breach involving ESA families’ personal information.
The Arizona Board of Education has declined regulations prohibiting the use of school voucher funds for “extravagant” purchases.
Updated on May 6, 2024