Arizona voters may soon have the opportunity to weigh in on changes to the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, commonly known as the school voucher program. Two separate citizen initiatives are currently gathering signatures to place ESA-related measures on a future ballot.
While both proposals seek to increase accountability within the ESA program, they take different approaches and have sparked debate among supporters of school choice, public education advocates, and families who rely on ESA funds.
What Is the ESA Program?
Arizona’s ESA program allows eligible families to use state education funds for approved educational expenses outside of a traditional public school setting. Depending on a family’s circumstances, ESA funds may be used for private school tuition, tutoring, educational therapies, specialized curricula, online learning programs, and other approved educational services.
For many families of children with disabilities, ESAs provide access to supports and learning environments tailored to their child’s unique needs.
What Changes Are Being Proposed?
Two separate initiatives are currently collecting signatures.
One proposal would add new accountability measures to the ESA program, including an income cap for eligibility and additional oversight requirements. Supporters say these changes would help ensure public funds are used appropriately and prioritize families with greater financial need.
A second proposal also seeks to increase accountability but would maintain broader eligibility for the program and take a different approach to oversight and assessment requirements. Supporters say it preserves educational choice while still strengthening transparency.
At this stage, neither proposal has qualified for the ballot, and the details could change before voters are asked to consider them.
Why Does This Matter to Families of Children with Disabilities?
Families of children with disabilities often have diverse educational needs. Some receive services through their local public school and Individualized Education Program (IEP). Others use ESA funds to access private educational settings, therapies, tutoring, or specialized instructional materials.
Any changes to ESA eligibility, funding, or program requirements could affect how families access these supports. Depending on the proposal that ultimately reaches voters, some families could experience changes in eligibility criteria, administrative requirements, or available educational options.
Because the proposals are still in the initiative stage, families should pay close attention to the final language of any measure that qualifies for the ballot.
What About Public School Funding?
The debate over ESA reform also includes questions about public school funding.
Arizona funds public schools based largely on student enrollment. When a student participates in the ESA program, a portion of state education funding follows that student.
Supporters of ESAs argue that education funding should follow students to the educational setting that best meets their needs. They view the program as an important tool for expanding educational choice.
Others argue that growing ESA participation may reduce resources available to public schools. They note that schools continue to maintain buildings, transportation systems, specialized staff, and other services even when enrollment declines. Some advocates have raised concerns about the potential impact on services for students with disabilities who remain in public schools.
What Happens Next?
Before any proposal can appear on the ballot, organizers must collect the required number of valid signatures. If a measure qualifies, Arizona voters will have the opportunity to review the proposal and decide whether it should become law.
Families may encounter petitions for one or both initiatives in the coming months. Signing a petition does not indicate support for the measure itself. It simply allows voters to consider the proposal during an election.
Staying Informed
Education policy decisions can have a significant impact on children with disabilities and their families. Whether families rely on public schools, ESAs, or a combination of educational supports, understanding proposed policy changes can help them make informed decisions and advocate for their children’s needs.
Encircle Families does not endorse or oppose ballot measures. Our goal is to provide information that helps families understand issues that may affect children with disabilities and the systems that serve them.
