New school-voucher bill called a compromise

A bill that would create government vouchers for private-school tuition while maintaining public schools' bottom line was released Thursday, but with tepid reception from a leading voucher advocacy group.

Parents for Choice in Education Foundation has not yet taken a position on HB340, sponsored by Rep. Brad Dee, R-Washington Terrace.

"We're really glad that Rep. Dee believes in parent (choice)," communications director Royce Van Tassell said. "It's a fluid process. There are some questions we still have . . . (that are) better negotiated in private."

Still, Dee and likely co-sponsor Rep. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, believe the bill strikes compromise in a perennially contentious debate. They say it will make the "school choice" concept more palatable to legislators this year and will be a win for all involved.

"Imagine what would happen if education improved . . . because of it," Dee said.

"This is going to increase per-pupil spending . . . and handle growth coming down the pipe," Adams said. "If people understand it, it will probably gain support."

HB340 would create the Parent Choice in Education Program and offer private-school tuition vouchers ranging from $500 to $3,000, scaled to family income. Voucher amounts would rise every year "by the same percentage annual increase in the value of the weighted pupil unit," the state's basic per-student funding formula.

Students switching from public to private schools, those new to the state and low-income students currently enrolled in private schools could participate. Others in private schools right now would be ineligible.

The bill requires parents prove their income and receive four voucher installments so money doesn't go to students returning to public school midyear. It requires recipients take a national standardized test and report results to anyone who asks.

Participating private schools would have to meet state anti-discrimination laws, have teachers with at least four-year degrees, and hire an accountant to report on voucher-related procedures, among other requirements. Schools with fewer than 25 students and home schools couldn't participate.

The bill also gives school districts money to keep their budgets whole for up to five years after a student takes a voucher. Unused vouchers would transfer into the state schools' pot.

The bill's fiscal note — likely, appropriating between $12 million and $15 million of general, not school, money, to the program, Dee said — is expected to come out today.