By a vote of 81-17, the U.S. Senate passed a bill to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) on Thursday (July 16).

 

Known as the Every Child Achieves Act (S. 1177), the bill reaffirms local-level decision making in public education and opposes any proposals supporting vouchers or tuition tax credits to non-public schools.

 

The bill also provides local autonomy in managing school administration, budget development, and related operations that support school district responsibilities for student achievement.

 

“Today’s passage of S.1177 and the House’s recent passage of H.R. 5, the Student Success Act – both of which include local governance provisions – are promising signs that the final bill will incorporate provisions to support community ownership of all public schools,” NSBA Executive Director Thomas J. Gentzel said in a statement.

 

The legislation will now head to a Conference Committee with House and Senate leaders to reconcile differences with H.R. 5, the Student Success Act, which was passed last week by the U.S House of Representatives.

 

NSBA will continue to call on lawmakers to pass a final bill that reaffirms local governance, invests in Title I programs and excludes private vouchers, tuition tax credits, or existing voucher programs.