Does Parental Choice Drain Money from Public Schools?
No. According to the recent state audit of the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, “During the period in which the Choice program has been funded Milwaukee Public Schools experienced a net increase in both equalization aid and total state aids.” Further, since the start of the program public school enrollment in Milwaukee rose 8%, spending rose 29% and state aid to Milwaukee public schools increased 55%. In Cleveland, public schools still receive per-pupil funds for students enrolled in the city’s scholarship program.
