Due to a shortage of buses and drivers, coupled with the mandate to transport private and charter school students, Dayton, Ohio public school districts face transportation challenges. Consequently, students, such as those in Dayton, are left without school-provided transportation, leading to increased reliance on costly alternatives or potentially dangerous public transit. This situation stems from Ohio’s law requiring public schools to transport private and charter school students, alongside the broader push by conservative politicians for increased private school enrollment, funded by taxpayer money. This has sparked controversy, with public school officials arguing that it diverts resources from their own students, while some politicians cite safety concerns on public transit.
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Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) voucher program, a model for other states, lacks transparency and accountability for private schools receiving public funds. Parents struggle to find reliable information on school quality and financial stability, as illustrated by the sudden closure of Title of Liberty Academy, a voucher-funded school with a history of financial and academic struggles as a previous charter school. This lack of oversight allows schools to operate with minimal standards, despite receiving significant taxpayer dollars. Advocates for school choice oppose increased regulations, creating a system where the public lacks information to make informed decisions about where to send their children. This lack of transparency is a significant concern for those who support educational reforms.
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President-elect Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, a former WWE executive and head of the Small Business Administration under his first term, to lead the Department of Education. McMahon, a significant Trump donor and chair of his transition team, supports expanding school choice and opposes policies like Title IX protections for transgender students and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This appointment comes as Trump plans to significantly restructure the department, potentially shifting education control to individual states. Her confirmation would place her in charge of a $241.6 billion budget and approximately 13,000 employees.
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John Q. Hosedrinker