Platte Institute Releases New Report Advocating for School Choice in Nebraska

OMAHA, NE — The Platte Institute has unveiled a new report, Nebraska Needs School Choice, authored by Neal McCluskey, Director of the Center for Educational Freedom at the Cato Institute. The report provides a compelling case for protecting and expanding school choice in Nebraska, and examines its potential to improve educational outcomes, enhance family satisfaction, and foster financial and social benefits. 

The report underscores the need for Nebraska to move beyond the status quo by adopting innovative programs that empower families and reduce reliance on a one-size-fits-all public-school model. 

Key Findings from the Report: 
Academic and System-Wide Improvements: Evidence shows that school choice creates upward academic pressure by encouraging competition and innovation among schools. Studies cited in the report reveal that 26 out of 29 system-wide evaluations found public schools improved in response to competition. 

Increased Family Satisfaction: Families utilizing choice programs report higher satisfaction with their children’s education. Of 33 studies reviewed, 31 showed a significant advantage in satisfaction for parents who opted for school choice. 

Financial Benefits: School choice programs can save taxpayer dollars. For instance, Nebraska’s state-level per-pupil expenditure is $16,667, yet implementing a tax-credit scholarship or voucher program could yield substantial savings while improving per-student funding for public schools. 

Fostering Liberty and Social Harmony: The report highlights how school choice upholds individual freedoms, reduces conflicts over educational content, and allows diverse communities to pursue educational models aligned with their values. 

Model States and Policy Recommendations 
The report explores successful school choice initiatives in states like Iowa, Arizona, and Florida, which have implemented programs such as tax-credit scholarships and education savings accounts (ESAs).

The report also offers actionable recommendations for Nebraska, including: 
Scholarship Tax Credit Programs: Allowing individuals and corporations to donate to scholarship organizations in exchange for tax credits, with priority for low-income families. 

Vouchers: Providing families with financial assistance equal to the state’s share of per-pupil funding. 
Tax Credit ESAs: Combining the flexibility of ESAs with the funding mechanisms of tax credits to support a variety of educational expenses. 

“This report makes clear that Nebraska has an opportunity to embrace school choice not only as a means to improve education but also to empower families and strengthen our communities,” said Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal. “By following the lead of states that have successfully implemented choice programs, Nebraska can create an education system that better serves all Nebraskans. We must restore school choice in Nebraska and look at other innovative options for Nebraska families.” 

The report, Nebraska Needs School Choice, is available now at PlatteInstitute.org. 

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Ryan Kopsa at (402) 366-4432 or Rkopsa@platteinstitute.org. 

The Platte Institute works to advance policies that remove barriers to growth and opportunity in Nebraska. Learn more at PlatteInstitute.org.