Dr. Rand Paul Introduces SCHOOL Act to Empower Parents, Increase Education Options and Flexibility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 5, 2020
 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee member Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced S. 4432, the Support Children Having Open Opportunities for Learning (SCHOOL) Act to provide parents and students with much-needed flexibility and options regarding K-12 education.
 
“As the impact of the ongoing pandemic and the government response efforts continue to place parents in situations requiring greater flexibility in balancing working and providing for their families’ critical needs, especially when educating their children at home, my SCHOOL Act grants them that flexibility by empowering them to use their own tax dollars to find the option that best fits their family’s needs and allowing them to reclaim a bit of stability in uncertain times,” said Dr. Paul. 
 
While federal education dollars are currently sent to states and then distributed amongst public school districts, Dr. Paul’s legislation would allow federal funds for K-12 education to follow the eligible child, learning in person or remotely, to the school of their choice. 
 
Whether in public school, private school, or homeschool, the funds can be used for a wide range of educational needs, including tuition, curriculum materials, technology, support for special education, or classes outside the home.
 
As families face the reality of hybrid learning or a completely virtual school year, students, especially those with disabilities, need a choice in education and the tools to succeed no matter where they are learning. 
 
You can read the SCHOOL Act HERE, and you can find more information below:
 
S. 4432, Dr. Rand Paul’s Support Children Having Open Opportunities for Learning (SCHOOL) Act

• Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to allow certain funds authorized under those laws to follow a child, whether learning in person or remotely, to the public school, private school, or homeschool of the family’s choice

• Allows those funds to be used for a range of needs, including:

 
o    Curriculum materials
o    Technological educational materials
o    Tutoring
o    Extracurricular activities
o    Private school tuition; and
o    Support for Special Education

• Ensures each child would receive the same amount of funding, regardless of where the child is enrolled

• Ensures students who choose to take advantage of these opportunities could still benefit from federally funded school food programs

• Protects non-public education providers from federal and state control

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