Public Dollars to Private Schools: An Analysis of Accountability Mechanisms in Publicly Funded Voucher Programs

• In Event: 66.047 - Policy Considerations in Funding Public Schools: Parental Investments, Publicly Funded Vouchers, and School District Size

Abstract

This paper examines and compares fiscal accountability requirements and their implementation for publicly funded K-12 voucher programs in six cases using document analysis. Since they are funded by public monies and established by public laws, the use of such funds should be accountable to the public. The majority of programs have specific accountability requirements, but these vary considerably. Some have no fiscal accountability or reporting requirements in law but have practices in place to address transparency. We also examine evidence of internal reporting and outside evaluation. These findings demonstrate the need for detailed and readily available public information regarding specific voucher accountability provisions and how those provisions translate into fiscal issues on state and local levels.

Authors

• Molly Stewart, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Jodi Moon, Rice University