Campaign Launched in Phoenix to Reform ESA Voucher Program

Advocacy groups seek to add oversight, transparency, and accountability to Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts program.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:38am

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A coalition of public education advocates in Phoenix has launched a new campaign to reform Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) program, which allows families to use public funds for private education. Critics argue the program lacks oversight, while supporters say it gives parents flexibility and access to better learning options. The proposed ballot measure would add requirements like quarterly public reports, banning luxury purchases, and returning unused funds to public schools.

Why it matters

The expansion of the ESA program has coincided with enrollment declines in some public school districts, leading to staffing reductions and school closures. This campaign highlights the ongoing debate over school choice policies and the balance between parental flexibility and public accountability for taxpayer-funded education.

The details

The campaign is being led by advocacy groups including Save Our Schools Arizona, who say the "abuse of taxpayer dollars has to stop" and are pushing for a reform measure on the November ballot. Their proposed plan calls for quarterly public reports on ESA funding, banning the purchase of luxury or non-educational items, and requiring unused ESA funds to be returned to public schools. Supporters of the ESA program, like the Goldwater Institute, argue the system already has appropriate safeguards and that the program is working as intended by giving parents choice.

  • The campaign was launched on Saturday, March 22, 2026.
  • Petition signatures for the proposed ballot measure must be submitted by early July 2026.

The players

Save Our Schools Arizona

A coalition of public education advocacy groups leading the campaign to reform Arizona's ESA voucher program.

Goldwater Institute

A Phoenix-based think tank that supports the ESA program, arguing it provides appropriate safeguards and gives parents the ability to choose the best education for their children.

Nicky Indicavitch

Outreach director for Save Our Schools Arizona, who stated that "the abuse of taxpayer dollars has to stop, and we need accountability in this program."

Delia Lyding

President of the Kyrene Education Association, who said "we believe the ESA program needs some basic reforms, for the sake of those children as well as the taxpayer."

Christine Accurso

Former executive director of the ESA program, who argued that the system already includes appropriate safeguards and that "the legislature made sure of that."

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What they’re saying

“The abuse of taxpayer dollars has to stop, and we need accountability in this program.”

— Nicky Indicavitch, Outreach director, Save Our Schools Arizona

“We believe the ESA program needs some basic reforms, for the sake of those children as well as the taxpayer.”

— Delia Lyding, President, Kyrene Education Association

“I can tell you that there are guardrails and appropriate guardrails on the program. The legislature made sure of that.”

— Christine Accurso, Former executive director, ESA program

What’s next

Petition signatures for the proposed ballot measure must be submitted by early July 2026.

The takeaway

This campaign highlights the ongoing debate over school choice policies in Arizona, with advocates seeking to add more oversight and accountability to the state's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts program, while supporters argue the system already has appropriate safeguards in place. The outcome of this effort could have significant implications for the future of public education funding and parental choice in the state.