The article discusses the impact of school choice programs on schools, families, and public funding, highlighting the need for schools to adapt to accept these funds.
State-funded programs vary across different U.S. states, offering options like tax-credit scholarships, vouchers, and education savings accounts (ESAs).
Schools must navigate complex processes to receive and allocate funds, with examples from states like Ohio, Iowa, Arizona, and Florida provided.
Regulations and requirements for school participation in choice programs can pose challenges, including paperwork, delays in payment, and potential loss of autonomy.
Independent schools are adjusting financial aid policies, raising tuition, and marketing participation in choice programs to enhance financial sustainability.
Blackbaud's K–12 Solutions offer tools to manage school choice funds, enabling schools to track scholarships, tuition discounts, and state vouchers effectively.
Different methods, such as tracking fund sources with project codes and consulting legal counsel, are recommended for accurate reporting and accounting.
The article emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches to state funding due to varying program structures and the uniqueness of each school.
Schools considering participation in state-funded programs are advised to collaborate with internal teams, auditors, and Blackbaud representatives for successful implementation.