California Senate Education Committee Rejects School Choice Legislation
The proposed legislation aimed to advance President Donald Trump’s educational objectives in California.
On Wednesday, California’s Senate Education Committee voted against a school choice bill, resulting in a 5–2 decision.
In California, school choice encompasses programs that empower students to enroll in schools beyond their designated attendance areas, including magnet schools, charter schools, homeschooling, and private institutions. This bill would have enabled families to access funding for tuition and educational costs at accredited schools of their choosing, with a specialized account provision for students with special needs.
Furthermore, it would have permitted parents to select their child’s school, allowing tax dollars to follow the student. Allocations would have been made on a per school year basis, with any unutilized funds reverting to the general fund for K-12 education.
Grove emphasized that school choice creates more opportunities for families and enhances educational outcomes.
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The majority of Democrats on the State Education Committee opposed the bill, arguing that such a program would divert funds from the most disadvantaged schools, thereby harming students.
“While this legislation offers funding for private school tuition, it fails to cover the complete cost, leaving low-income families with limited real choices, whereas wealthier families reap the greatest benefits,” remarked state Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, a Democrat.
Had it been approved, Senate Bill 64 would have established individual Flex accounts, providing each student with a School Choice Flex Account of $8,000 for tuition and related educational expenses, and a Special Education Flex Account of $16,000 for students with special needs. The funds would have only been available for accredited educational institutions.
Grove expressed that the bill would have empowered parents, granting them greater authority over their children’s educational journeys.
Grove pointed out that the state consistently ranks low in academic achievement for 4th and 8th graders.
“Despite substantial investment, many parents feel the existing system fails to adequately prepare students for higher education and careers,” Grove stated in a January 29 announcement. “Many students are compelled to attend underperforming schools simply because of their zip codes.”
She also noted that policies frequently prevent students with special needs from receiving funding assistance.
Grove has introduced Senate Constitutional Amendment 1 (SCA 1), which seeks to embed school choice flex accounts and special education flex accounts into the California Constitution.
This amendment aims to mandate the Legislature to “promote, by all suitable means, the advancement of intellectual, scientific, moral, and agricultural improvement,” according to its text.
This proposal remains under review by the Senate Rules Committee.
President Donald Trump’s executive order issued on Wednesday aligns with the goal of expanding educational choices for students.
