Post 1/6
Democrats are wailing about “waste, fraud & abuse” in Arizona’s ESA school choice program.
Fine — fix the oversight gaps.
But they never ask the real question:
Why are tens of thousands of families fleeing public schools in droves?
Hint: It’s not because the traditional system is efficiently run. 🧵
2/6
Arizona public district schools spent $13.4 billion in FY2025.
Yet instructional spending (actual teaching) dropped to just 52.1% of the budget — the lowest percentage in over 20 years.
More money going to admin, bureaucracy, buildings, and operations instead of classrooms.
3/6
Arizona ranks 49th in the nation in per-pupil spending… and dead last in class sizes.
Parents see the results: stagnant test scores, discipline problems, ideology creeping in, and constant cries for more money with little improvement.
So they’re voting with their feet.
4/6
ESA has real admin issues (paperwork, reviews, etc.) that need fixing.
But the actual egregious fraud/misuse rate is around 0.3%, with unallowable spending (mostly honest mistakes) closer to 1-2%.
That’s far better than many government programs like Medicaid or unemployment.
Compare that to public schools: Arizona districts spent $13.4B but instructional spending (actual classroom teaching) is down to just 52.1% — the lowest in 20+ years. The rest? Admin bloat, underused buildings, and inefficiency. Specific fraud cases pop up regularly too.
5/6
ESA puts parents in charge — the ultimate accountability.
Public schools get billions with less per-dollar scrutiny and worse outcomes for too many kids.
If the system worked, families wouldn’t be leaving in record numbers for charters, privates, homeschooling, or ESA.
6/6
Strengthen ESA oversight (better audits, faster clawbacks, transparency).
But don’t kill the escape hatch that’s helping over 100,000 Arizona kids.
The real “out-of-control” problem is the failing status quo that keeps demanding more money while delivering less.
What’s your experience with public schools vs school choice? Drop it below 👇
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