A common objection to school choice is the claim that “public funds” should not be used for non-public schools. The term “public funds” itself is inaccurate. There is no such thing, only tax dollars which the government has confiscated from you—the taxpayer—in order to dictate how they must be spent. It’s your money, in the first place.
Critics argue that tax dollars belong exclusively to government-run schools, as if education funding exists to sustain a system rather than to serve students. But this argument falls apart under even the slightest scrutiny—because the government already directs public funds to individuals who choose private alternatives in countless other areas.
Consider higher education. Pell Grants, GI Bill benefits, and federal student loans all allow individuals to use public funds at private, religious, or even for-profit colleges. No one is forced to attend a state university simply because tax dollars are involved. The focus is on students, not institutions. If we trust young adults to choose their educational paths, why do we deny that same opportunity to K-12 students and their families?
Or take food assistance programs. SNAP (food stamps) allows families to buy groceries at stores of their choice, whether it’s Walmart, a local market, or a small organic co-op. The government doesn’t require recipients to shop at state-run grocery stores. Housing vouchers similarly empower individuals to rent from private landlords. Even Medicaid allows beneficiaries to receive care from private doctors and hospitals. In every other area of life, public assistance follows the person, not a single government-run provider.
Yet when it comes to K-12 education, many insist that the only valid way to use tax dollars is within the government school system—no matter how well or poorly it serves individual students. But education isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every child is a unique learner with different needs, strengths and challenges. Some thrive in public schools, while others do better in private, charter, homeschool, or hybrid environments. The goal should be ensuring every child receives a quality education, not preserving a monopoly that too often prioritizes bureaucracy over student success.
School choice programs—whether education savings accounts, tax-credit scholarships, or vouchers—don’t defund public schools. They fund students. Just as Pell Grants don’t “defund” state colleges, and food stamps don’t “defund” public food pantries, school choice simply allows families to direct their child’s education funding to the setting that works best for them. And as long as students are making academic progress, why should we dictate the delivery method?
Ultimately, education should be about outcomes, not systems. If public funds can follow people to the grocery store, the doctor’s office, and the university of their choice, they should be able to follow children to the school that meets their needs. It’s time to fund students, not systems—and to recognize that all kids, not just those in government schools, deserve our support.
You have an opportunity right now to make a difference on this issue. The North Dakota Legislature is considering HB 1540, which supports educational freedom. If you agree, contact your legislators today and ask them to support this important piece of legislation. Your voice matters!
Jennifer Benson is the executive director of ND American Experiment and a former Fargo School Board member.
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The Trust Project
