In 1999, Governor Jeb Bush created what is known as the voucher system- a program that allowed students to attend private schools at the taxpayers’ expense.

To be eligible for the program, the student had to attend a public school that received a failing grade from the state in two out of four years; after being accepted, the student would receive a scholarship worth $3,400 to pay for any accredited private school.

Recently, however, the Florida Supreme Court banned the program, saying that it was unconstitutional for the state to fund private schools. The high court also claimed that the program cut money available to the public schools since the funds go directly to the individual families as opposed to the school district.

The Florida Supreme Court does not overlook the fact that students should have choices. It is only when the choice to attend a private alternative relies upon public funding that the choice is limited.

For now, students who are receiving vouchers for the current school year will not be affected by the court’s ruling; but next year, their vouchers will be revoked.

New choices are being made, however, to prevent students from having to return to the failing schools. This fall, a program funded by corporate income will be offered to students. In exchange for tax credits, the private corporations can donate up to 5 million dollars or 75% of their corporate tax bill. The scholarship offers $3,500 per student or the cost of tuition, whichever is less, and the student may attend any private school that accepts him/her.