Sacramento Standard

Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) is proud to announce Senate Bill 1203 and Senate Constitutional Amendment 9, companion measures that will establish the Education Flex Account Act of 2024. This forward-thinking legislation aims to improve K-12 education in California by providing parents and students with greater choice in selecting the school that best meets their educational needs.

"This legislation represents a critical step towards providing California families, including families with special education students, with the educational options they need and deserve," said Senator Shannon Grove. "By empowering parents to choose the best educational environment for their children, we are ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for a lifetime of success."

The Education Flex Account Act of 2024 will empower parents to choose the accredited school that best fits their child's needs, aiming to address the challenges of the current education system in California. By reallocating a portion of existing state education funds, students will have access to $8,000 through the Education Flex Account and $16,000 through the Special Education Flex Account for students with special needs, to be used towards tuition and other education expenses. Any unused funds will be returned to the General Fund to support K-12 education the following year.

"Public education in the United States is failing our children and not preparing them to be civically minded adults in the 21st-century economy," commented Lance Christensen from the California Policy Center. "Parents should have the tools and resources necessary to provide the best education opportunities for their kids regardless of their zip code. That is why California Policy Center fully supports SB 1203 and SCA 9 and looks forward to making Education Flex Accounts a reality for all kids."

William Reusch, a teacher with 17 years of experience in diverse schools, including public and private institutions in Los Angeles, shared, "Giving parents more autonomy and choice in their children's education is something that I believe is crucially important and I stand in support of this bill that will help move things in that direction."

With the Education Flex Account Act of 2024, California is taking a significant stride towards a more child-centered and effective approach to K-12 education. Senate Bill 1203 and Senate Constitutional Amendment 9 will be heard by the Senate Education Committee on April 24th.