Nevada has implemented an unprecedented school voucher program that next school year will allow parents to pull their children from the state’s public schools — and take tax dollars with them.

The new law, which Republicans in the state Legislature passed with support from former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s education foundation, has alarmed education advocates and teachers unions.

Bob Farrace, a spokesman for the National Association of Secondary School Principals, blasted the law for siphoning funds from public schools to pay private and parochial school tuition.

“Funneling public funds to private schools means fewer teachers, fewer counselors, fewer supplemental services and, in general, fewer opportunities for the vast majority of kids who remain in public schools,” Farrace said. “It really violates the public trust when policymakers place individual benefit before public good.”

Parents may also use the funds for home schooling.

While many states allow public funds to be used for private school tuition, most give vouchers only to students with disabilities or from low-income families. The Nevada law is unique in that all of the state’s 450,000 K–12 public school students will be eligible for a voucher regardless of family income.

The Washington Post, June 3