Submitted Photo Even amid a national push by Republican policymakers for school choice, including vouchers, voters in some conservative heavy states this fall rejected the idea at the ballot box. Policy experts say they also drum up constitutional issues. (Adobe Stock photo)

North Dakota students will soon be on holiday break. When they return, state lawmakers are expected to debate giving families financial support related to school choice.

The controversial idea might look different this time, but similar arguments remain.

School vouchers have been a thorny issue, with a number of conservative-led states pushing to set aside funding for families to enroll their kids in private schools.

Opponents say that needlessly takes away money from public schools. A voucher bill was vetoed in North Dakota in 2023, but school choice backers are crafting a different plan.

Sheila Peterson is a public school physical education teacher at Wachter Middle School in Bismarck who is monitoring what’s happening.

“Every kid has the fundamental right to a good education. That is so important,” Peterson said. “So, if we’re saying there’s something that’s missing and there’s monies available, why aren’t we funding our public education system to provide those pieces that are missing?”

Peterson, a member of the union ND United and the 2024 North Dakota Teacher of the Year, suggested beefing up mental health services, or focusing on reducing class sizes.

She said that might help renew or restore faith in public schools.

A lawmaker drafting a bill says it wouldn’t be a voucher program, but instead an Education Savings Account, allowing parents to get money to pursue a variety of support services.

State Sen. Michelle Axtman, R-Bismarck, plans to introduce the ESA bill and said such a marketplace is superior to vouchers, which she called an outdated approach to improving school choice.

Axtman said her measure would cover all students, including those from public systems, who might need extra support in rounding out the education they’re getting.

“Whether that be a summer STEM camp,” Axtman said, “or occupational therapy for a need, or dyslexia services, or just tutoring in math, or a language course that isn’t offered in a rural community.”

Axtman stressed that her plan wouldn’t divert money from K-12 funding.

Aimee Copas, executive director of the North Dakota Council of Education Leaders, said she is leery of ESAs but said they could be meaningful if lawmakers ensure fairness in distributing aid.

Plus, she said, North Dakota already does a good job in tapping into the spirit of school choice.

“We probably have more school choice and opportunities,” said Copas, “than almost any state in the nation. “

She pointed to the adoption of the Learning Continuum model, in which public districts are given flexibility to offer more personalized forms of education.

She said apprenticeship programs are another good example.