Gov. Sarah Sanders said Monday (April 1) that a new group of eligible students may begin the application process for Educational Freedom Accounts. The Educational Freedom Account is a voucher program built on the educational reform of Her Way of Learning that allows public school funding to provide students with other options, including: Private school or home school.
Eligible children in second grade include those whose parents are veterans, reservists, first responders, and law enforcement officers, as well as those who previously attended a D-rated school.
The department began accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year on Monday (April 1).
“As a mother of three children, I know that every child in this state learns a little differently. “We recognize that parental choice, not geographic geography, should be the primary determining factor,” Sanders said. “We are proud to prioritize Arkansas heroes and their families with this year’s expansion.”
During the 2023-2024 academic year, the first year of the Educational Freedom Account (EFA), 5,407 student applications were funded. According to the Sanders administration, more than 100 schools have been approved to participate. EFA allows families to access up to 90% of the previous year's statewide foundation funds (her $7,413 the previous year). They can use that money for a variety of nonpublic school options, including private schools, parochial schools, and home study.
Eligible students for the first year include students with disabilities, homeless students, foster or former foster children, participants in the Succeed Scholarship Program, children of active-duty military, new kindergarten students, and those who entered the school in the previous school year. students were included. With an “F” rating.
A fiscal impact report released during the 2023 legislative session estimated EFA costs at $46.7 million in year one and $97.5 million in year two. The Ministry of Education estimated that in the first year his 7,000 students would participate, and in the second year he would have 14,000 students participating.
Governor Sanders has submitted a $97.5 million budget proposal for EFA to the Legislature for next year. In the third year, EFA becomes universal for all students. Budget estimates for the third year have not been made public. Education officials and state lawmakers have said that if the third year creates demand that exceeds what lawmakers have budgeted for the Education Freedom Account, students will receive funding at a lower pro rata share than the expected 90% of foundation funds. Says.
“We are pleased to expand eligibility for the EFA program to these additional categories of students,” said Jacob Oliva, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Education. “For most parents, public schools will be the first and best choice for their child, but a one-size-fits-all approach cannot meet the needs of all students and families. Parents want choice and They deserve it. The EFA program provides that, and more kids will now be eligible for that opportunity.”
Eligible students for the 2024-2025 academic year are:
・First time kindergarten child
· Students in “D” or “F” schools or “Level 5” districts.
・Students in the Succeed Scholarship Program
・Homeless students
・Current or former foster care student
・Students with disabilities
・Children of active military personnel
・Veterans
· Military Reserve
· first responder
· law enforcement officer
