Statement: Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” Is a Big, Ugly Threat to Public Schools

The School Board Integrity Project warns that a new nationwide voucher-style tax scheme will divert public funds from public schools and deepen inequities in education

July 3, 2025 — Following the passage of President Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill in Congress, the School Board Integrity Project is sounding the alarm on a provision threatening America’s public schools: a nationwide voucher-style tax-credit scholarship program. This provision diverts taxpayer dollars from public schools to private institutions by granting tax breaks to donors who fund private-school scholarships.

Under the new program, wealthy donors can receive tax credits for contributions to private school scholarship funds, meaning taxpayers effectively subsidize private education while public school budgets face potential cuts. Today, well-funded, right-wing organizations targeting America's public schools are joining Republicans in celebrating the passage of this bill, which will deeply harm families and children across the country.

In response, the School Board Integrity Project's Founder and Executive Director Kyrstin Schuette, released the following statement:

“Trump’s so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ is a gift to the wealthy and well-connected — paid for by targeting the institutions working families rely on most, including our public schools.

This bill doesn’t just slash funding for Medicaid and essential services. It creates tax breaks for private school voucher schemes that funnel taxpayer dollars into the hands of private institutions — diverting desperately needed resources away from the public schools that serve 9 out of 10 American children.

Let’s be clear: this is not about educational freedom. It’s about political power. And it’s part of a coordinated effort by far-right interests to weaken public education, undermine trust in local schools, and dismantle democratic governance — starting at the school board level.

That’s why The School Board Integrity Project exists: to recruit, train, and elect local leaders who will practice good governance, pursue academic excellence and the freedom to learn, and foster inclusive schools where every kid belongs.

School boards aren’t just where we fight for students — they’re where we build the future of our democracy. One in five elected officials in America serves on a school board. Today’s school board members could become tomorrow’s members of Congress, shaping policy as consequential as the bill that passed today. If we want a country that works for everyday Americans — not just the powerful and well-connected — we have to start locally. And we have to start now.”

About School Board Integrity Project:

The School Board Integrity Project is the nation’s leading organization focused on recruiting, training, and electing school board members who will practice good governance, pursue academic excellence and the freedom to learn, and foster schools where every kid belongs.

For media requests or inquiries, please contact info@schoolboardintegrityproject.org.