Eleven states now offer universal or near-universal school vouchers, which means that even affluent families can receive thousands of dollars toward their kids’ private school tuition. During this event, ProPublica will walk readers through the complexities behind the “private schools, public money” debate. The issue has historically been viewed along partisan lines. But more recently, rural Republicans have broken with their party to vote against vouchers. Public schools, they’ve reasoned, are often the only education option, the largest employer and a critical community hub.

Supporters say voucher programs give parents more control over their children’s education by allowing them to use public dollars to choose the schools they believe are best, including those that are privately run. Opponents argue that vouchers siphon tax dollars from public education and allow funding to flow into private schools without holding them accountable if they fail children. More states will urge voters to try to pass or reject private school choice programs in November.

During this virtual program, ProPublica editor Zahira Torres will welcome three ProPublica reporters for a roundtable discussion on the ongoing school vouchers debate.

Speakers include:

• Alec MacGillis, ProPublica reporter
• Eli Hager, ProPublica reporter
• Jeremy Schwartz, ProPublica reporter
• Zahira Torres, ProPublica Texas editor

This event has ended.