The grant program is not specifically aimed at religious schools, but they do appear to be some of the larger recipients. And, regardless of religious affiliation, I think there's a real problem if the state is paying to improve facilities at private schools so that they can accept more voucher students. That's basically a double-whammy against public schools - they're losing out on the money that's being earmarked specifically for private institutions, which is being used to entice students away from them (and attendance is the basis for a portion of public school funding).
Fundamentally, this is different from churches receiving public funds for food pantries and homeless shelters because those are services that local government typically does not provide.
So would you be in favor of what I mentioned, which is to reserve the money in escrow (lock box) for the public school systems, but make them actually apply for it with a plan that can be reviewed, outlining what they intend on doing with it that'll approve outcomes?
In a nutshell, keep the money in the public sector, but make the public sector entities apply for it under the same rules and restrictions private entities do when they apply for government money/grants?
The issue that's happening is that there doesn't seem to be any direct correlation between per pupil spending, and educational outcomes with regards to public school systems.
National Data Explorer
www.nationsreportcard.gov
worldpopulationreview.com
You have states like New Jersey and Connecticut that do spend more and have good results, but then you have other jurisdictions like DC and New York where they're underperforming despite higher spending levels.
Likewise, you have states with smaller spending like Indiana and South Dakota that seem to be performing fairly well, but then you have other low-spend area like Alabama and Oklahoma that are struggling.
So I'm 100% in favor of keeping the public money in the public sector, but there needs to be some expectations attached to that money.
"Our test scores still are 20% below the national average, but hey, we got some new desks and upgraded the gym and cafeteria" isn't what I'd call a good use of the money. The "throw more money at it" clearly hasn't been working.
