Millions Of Dollars In Arizona School Funding Is Missing

Education is difficult. At least once in your life, you've felt like you're just not clicking with how you're being taught. Likely, there wasn't an intellect issue, but a procedural one. Every student learns differently, and sometimes your school doesn't reflect that.

That's why Arizona has the Empowerment Scholarship Account Program, a state tax funded account that allows for families to explore different schooling options that better suit them.

That money's missing.

Well, Not Missing...

More accurately, it's being left unused. Many who have applied and been accepted into the program have begun paying out of pocket to cover their child's expenses, while saving the money in their ESA account. Some believe that, since this money rolls over to secondary education, parents are saving for that, but that puts families who have chosen public schooling at a disadvantage.

More than $360 Million has been left unspent, with about 2,500 accounts holding anywhere between $10,000 and $50,000.

Get our free mobile app

Read More: Why on Earth Was Arizona Ranked One of America's Dumbest States?

What Can This Money Go To?

Many believe that this money is effectively wasted like this, and they have an argument. Since this is state tax money, the unspent funds could be used for public schools across the state, especially after Arizona was ranked dead last in education earlier this week.

However, just taking this money back would detrimentally effect those who actually need it. Students with disabilities or medical issues receive large amounts from the state to ensure they can learn in an environment that benefits them. Requiring this money back could seriously negatively impact their education for years to come.

[Empowerment Scholarship Account][AZ Family][Consumer Affairs]