LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Nevada Supreme Court is considering whether a program dubbed the nation's broadest school choice measure passes constitutional muster.
Lawyers on either side of the Education Savings Accounts program are set to argue in back-to-back hearings Friday morning.
The program created by the Nevada Legislature last year allows parents to claim a majority of their child's per-pupil state education funds and use it toward private school tuition or other qualified schooling expenses.
Two lawsuits were filed against it, and a judge blocked implementation of the program this winter. Opponents say it violates a constitutional provision banning public money for sectarian purposes, and unconstitutionally directs money away from public schools.
Proponents hope to get the program running again before the new school year, although justices are unlikely to rule on Friday.