It’s hard to say we didn’t see this coming. For years, many have warned about the potential consequences of Betsy DeVos’s relentless push for school vouchers and privatization. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this process, giving DeVos the opportunity to redirect much-needed relief funds from public schools to private and religious institutions.
<aside> 💡 Now, we’re witnessing the fallout of these decisions, with public schools closing across the nation, especially in states like Arizona.
</aside>
Public education has long been the bedrock of American society, providing every child with the opportunity to learn and succeed. However, the systematic defunding and undermining of public schools have led to a steady decline in enrollments and burgeoning budget deficits.
Unlike their private and religious counterparts, public schools are held to strict educational standards and accreditation requirements. Meanwhile, voucher schools operate without such oversight, allowing them to discriminate and choose their student body while avoiding the rigorous assessments that public schools must meet.
In Arizona, the effects of DeVos's policies are particularly stark. As more parents opt for school vouchers, public schools are forced to close, unable to sustain themselves financially. Those left with no option but to rely on the diminishing public school system are finding themselves in increasingly dire situations. The widespread closures and growing budget deficits are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, troubling trend.
We've also seen an alarming rise in corruption within the voucher system. The influx of public money with little oversight has created fertile ground for opportunists to exploit the system for personal gain.
According to a report by Save Our Schools Arizona, Attorney General Kris Mayes has been investigating rampant fraud in the ESA voucher program, revealing cases where fraudsters created fake students to siphon funds intended for genuine educational needs. This rampant misuse of funds not only undermines the integrity of our education system but also betrays the trust of taxpayers.
The reality is that the wealthy elite who champion these policies stand to gain the most. They benefit from the diversion of public funds to private schools while the less fortunate suffer the consequences. Students with disabilities, LGBTQ students, and those requiring more resources are often excluded, leaving them without the support they need. This exclusionary practice is not an unfortunate side effect; it’s a predictable outcome of a policy designed to prioritize privatization over public good.
In Scottsdale, Arizona, for example, Dream City Christian School is expanding rapidly, fueled by taxpayer dollars that previously supported public schools. Meanwhile, public schools like those in the Paradise Valley Unified School District are closing due to falling enrollments and budget cuts. The stark contrast highlights the deepening divide in educational opportunities and resources.
The long-term implications of these policies are becoming clearer by the day. Public schools, once a source of pride and opportunity, are struggling to survive. Teachers’ unions, which have historically defended educational standards and teacher rights, are being systematically weakened. This weakening is a strategic move by those who see unions as obstacles to their agenda.
The dismantling of public education is not just an educational issue; it’s a societal one. The public school system was established to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has a chance to succeed. The shift towards privatization and vouchers undermines this fundamental principle and threatens to create a more divided and unequal society.
Reflecting on these developments, it’s clear that the warnings were not heeded. We are now dealing with the consequences of policies that prioritize private interests over public good. The evidence is all around us: school closures, budget deficits, and growing educational inequality. If we don’t take decisive action to reverse these trends, the damage to our public education system—and to our society—will be profound and lasting.