NC Senate approves hundreds of millions more for private school voucher program

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – The state Senate passed a bill Thursday that would more than double the amount of money available for North Carolina’s school voucher program for next school year.

In a 28-15 party-line vote, Republicans backed the bill that would allocate another $248 million to the Opportunity Scholarship program for the 2024-25 school year and commit an additional $215 million every year after that.

The bill calls for total spending to reach $825 million annually in the 2032-33 school year.

Republicans say they’re adding funding to the program after demand far exceeded expectations. The state received about 72,000 applications and nearly 55,000 of those who applied are on a waitlist.

“This is something that’s being talked about amongst my peers. This is exciting for them,” said Sen. Benton Sawrey (R-Johnston).

Democrats noted the challenges in retaining public school teachers and said this bill would pull funding that could otherwise go to public schools.

“We are dialing 911 for public education across this state. Please answer the call,” said Sen. Val Applewhite (D-Cumberland).

Families who apply are divided into four income tiers. The awards range from $3,360 to $7,468 depending on income. Families in Tier 1, which is the lowest income tier, already have been awarded funding. Offers were also sent to 2,294 families in Tier 2, according to the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-New Hanover) said there are 13,060 applicants in Tier 2, an additional 25,750 applicants in Tier 3 and 12,228 applicants in Tier 4 (the highest income tier). He said nearly half are in Wake and Mecklenburg counties.

A family of four would be in Tier 3 if their income ranges from $115,441 to $259,740. Tier 4 would be above that.

Democrats questioned the need to provide the additional funding for families that can already afford to send their children to private school.

“This is welfare for the wealthy. This is not about helping middle-class or low-income families,” said Sen. Natasha Marcus (D-Mecklenburg). “We have continued to refuse to do the right thing when it comes to teachers, to public schools, to public school families, so this is especially offensive.”

Gov. Roy Cooper (D) has traveled the state speaking out against the program. In his budget proposal he unveiled last month, he once again called for a moratorium on the Opportunity Scholarships and said the money could be used to help fund the 8.5 percent pay raises he wants for teachers.

During debate on the bill Thursday, Republicans argued the money should “follow the student.”

“We have a responsibility to educate all children whether they’re rich or poor,” said Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham). “That responsibility to assist in the education of children doesn’t stop because someone makes above a certain amount.”

The House could take up the bill next week. Republicans have a veto-proof supermajority that could override Gov. Cooper.

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