A pair of Republican state sentors are making a bold move to expand school choice and put parents back in control of their children’s education.
Senate Bill 252 (SB252) is set to create the Nevada Education Savings Account Program, which would allow families to use state education funds for private school tuition, homeschooling, tutoring, and other educational services.
But Democrats and their union allies will fight tooth and nail to stop it.
What SB252 Does
SB252 establishes Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) that let parents choose the best education for their children.
Instead of forcing families into failing public schools, the bill allows parents to receive funding equal to what the state would have spent on their child in a public school.
They can then use this money for private school tuition, online education programs, educational materials, tutoring, and more.
The program is open to all students required to attend public school. It also provides tax credits for businesses that donate to the ESA program, creating an additional funding source.
This means parents have more options, children get better opportunities, and taxpayers see their money used more effectively.
Democrats and Teachers’ Unions Say “No” to Parental Choice
Despite the clear benefits, Democrats and the teachers’ unions will fiercely oppose SB252.
They claim that giving parents control over their child’s education will “drain” money from public schools. But what they’re really worried about is losing control.
The Nevada State Education Association has already come out against the bill, calling it a “scheme to defund public education.”
Their real concern? Losing millions in taxpayer dollars that currently go straight into their bureaucratic system—whether it benefits students or not.
Senate Democrats, following orders from the union bosses, argue that the bill only helps wealthy families.
But in reality, it’s low-income and minority families stuck in failing public schools who would benefit the most.
A recent study from the Urban Institute found that students who use school choice programs are more likely to graduate and attend college compared to their public school counterparts.
Similar programs in Arizona and Florida have already helped thousands of families escape failing schools.
Why SB252 Matters for Nevada Families
Nevada’s public schools rank 48th in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Parents are fed up with low test scores, poor discipline, and political indoctrination. They want real education, not social justice experiments.
Parents like Maria Lopez, a Las Vegas mother of three, are desperate for alternatives.
“My son is in a school where he’s bullied every day and not learning anything. I can’t afford private school without help. This bill would change everything for my family,” she said.
The Bottom Line
SB252 puts students first and politics last.
It gives parents—not government bureaucrats—the power to decide where their children learn.
The opposition from Democrats and the teachers’ unions only proves one thing: they care more about power and money than about kids.
The fight is far from over.
Parents and taxpayers who support education freedom must speak up and demand that their representatives vote for SB252.
If we don’t, Nevada’s children will continue to be trapped in a failing system that puts special interests ahead of their future.
The choice is clear. Do we stand with parents, or do we let the government keep our kids trapped in underperforming schools?
The time for school choice is now.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
