Arizona Democrats, led by Governor Katie Hobbs, are once again targeting the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, citing supposed “fraud” as a reason to roll back the program. However, the rate of fraud in the ESA program is low compared to public school districts, some of which have mismanaged millions of dollars. For example, Isaac Elementary School District was placed under state receivership due to a $12 million budget shortfall, while Mesa Public Schools failed to explain the whereabouts of $32.3 million in federal funds meant for COVID expenses. Additionally, employees from Toltec Elementary School District were indicted for fraudulent schemes and misuse of public monies. Higley Unified School District’s former superintendent was indicted on multiple counts related to procurement fraud and misuse of public funds.
Despite these instances of fraud and mismanagement in public schools, Democrats are focused on regulating the ESA program, which has more oversight than traditional school districts. Critics argue that Democrats are trying to protect their allies in the teachers’ unions by targeting school choice programs. In response, advocates for school choice argue that every student in Arizona deserves the best education possible and funding to support it. They urge Democrats to investigate public school districts for fraud instead of attacking the ESA program, which has proven to be financially accountable. School choice supporters emphasize that the program is here to stay in Arizona and pledge to continue advocating for educational options for students in the state.
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