I am writing in response to the recent article on the “Opportunity Scholarship” and the significant opposition it has generated among Nebraskans. I write from my experience as a parent who had children in both private and public schools, an education professional, a mother of a student with a disability, and the President of The Arc of Nebraska (Nebraska’s largest membership organization for people with disabilities and their families) board.

I stand in opposition to this policy along with the 86,000 Nebraskans who signed this petition (many for the second time) from 60 of Nebraska’s 93 counties.

It is disheartening to see the argument that opposing this bill equates to not prioritizing Nebraska’s educational future. The reality is that Nebraskans want decisions regarding public funds to be made through democratic processes. Our focus is on ensuring that educational resources are used for the benefit of all students rather than a select few.

Nebraska already offers school choice. Many families, including mine, opt for nonpublic schools for various reasons, including college preparation, athletic opportunities or personal beliefs. While these choices are valid, it is crucial to consider whether it is appropriate to use public funds to support private school tuition. Public funds are already stretched thin and should be used to benefit the entire community, not just a small percentage of families.

We hear stories of families every day across Nebraska from schools that are significantly under-resourced where students, particularly students with disabilities, are left behind. Families in Omaha, where multiple schools don’t have a single special education teacher, families in rural communities where there are no supports, and children with disabilities are put in life-endangering situations because of a staffing shortage that stems from chronic underfunding of education. With these issues, why would we invest public dollars into schools that aren’t open for all?

The concern with the “educational fit” argument is that public schools must serve all students and meet federal requirements, including those specified in individualized education programs, or IEPs. Private schools, in contrast, are not bound by the same regulations.  The bill is designed to look like it prioritizes kids with disabilities by including students with IEPs in their priority categories. We know it’s only performative as, despite requests, supporters of the opportunity scholarships failed to include requirements that private schools receiving these funds must comply with the IDEA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. So they may take a child with minor support needs, but they are also free to throw them out, don’t have to have a Fair Hearing Process, or can just refuse entry.

The voices of the people, represented by the thousands of signatures collected, should not be overshadowed by a few senators. Many Nebraskans were frustrated to find themselves signing petitions again to oppose a bill that bypassed voter input. We expect our legislators to make wise investments with our tax dollars, benefiting all Nebraskans.

Public education is heralded as the great equalizer, providing every student with access to necessary educational services. It is vital to protect this principle and ensure that public funds are used to uphold this fundamental right for all students.

This story was published by Nebraska Examiner, an editorially independent newsroom providing a hard-hitting, daily flow of news. Read the original article: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/09/our-focus-should-be-on-using-edu...