Huntsville, Alabama, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Huntsville School Board member Andrea Alvarez is advocating for the termination of Alabama’s controversial CHOOSE Act, which allows families to apply for school vouchers for private education. Alvarez cites concerns over its constitutionality and the potential harm to public school funding. Critics, including parents of students with special needs, express frustration over the limited financial support offered by vouchers, which often do not cover rising private school tuition costs. Alvarez is gathering legal support to challenge the act, which critics argue misappropriates taxpayer funds and lacks accountability.
Huntsville, Alabama – Controversy Surrounds CHOOSE Act
Huntsville School Board member Andrea Alvarez is advocating for the termination of Alabama’s CHOOSE Act, citing concerns about its constitutionality and negative impact on public schools. The CHOOSE Act, introduced by the Alabama Legislature in 2024, allows families to apply for vouchers of up to $7,000 for private school tuition, home education, and tutoring. Alvarez claims that the act diverts vital resources from public school students and ultimately undermines the education system.
Alvarez argues that funding for the CHOOSE Act is sourced from the state’s Education Trust Fund, which is designated to support public schools. She states that Alabama’s state constitution mandates adequate funding for public education, a requirement that, according to her, is not being met. The diversion of funds to private education has been labeled by Alvarez as a misappropriation of taxpayer money.
Under the current funding structure, Huntsville City Schools receive approximately $5,400 from the Foundation Program based on average daily enrollment from the previous school year. Yet, public schools face numerous unfunded mandates, which impede their ability to operate effectively while adhering to state laws.
Concerns about the CHOOSE Act also resonate with parents, including grandmother Rhonda Abbott, who believes the act does not create a fair opportunity for students needing additional academic support. Abbott’s grandson has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and she has expressed frustration with the $7,000 vouchers, stating they do not cover the high cost of private school tuition, which can average around $19,000 annually. Abbott also pointed out her inability to access funding for extra tutoring while her grandson remains in the public education system.
Reports indicate that following the implementation of the CHOOSE Act, many private schools have significantly increased their tuition rates, raising alarms about affordability for Alabama families. Additionally, Alvarez has highlighted the lack of accountability and transparency in the CHOOSE Act’s framework compared to public schools, asserting that a fair comparison between the two systems is compromised by differing regulations and funding mechanisms.
In efforts to challenge the CHOOSE Act, Alvarez is gathering legal support from other board members, superintendents, and community citizens. Past legal precedents in states like Utah and Ohio found similar school voucher programs unconstitutional, reinforcing her concerns regarding its implications in Alabama.
The CHOOSE Act has spurred a surge in new private schools opening in the state, including Peach City Academy, which has utilized the program to provide free education to some students through tax credits. Since its launch in July, the Alabama Department of Revenue has reported over $100 million allocated to the CHOOSE Act, with most of these funds benefiting private schools and homeschooling options.
While the program grants schools flexibility in curricula and staffing, public accountability remains a contentious issue. Although the CHOOSE Act prioritizes funding for students with disabilities, there are ongoing discussions about the adequacy of accommodations available for these students in private settings.
Despite the act’s growth, research indicates no significant academic distinction between public and private school students when assessed under equal conditions. Parents have expressed mixed reactions, weighing expanded educational choices against potential drawbacks associated with voucher programs.
Projected Changes to Educational Options
Looking ahead, Alabama’s Education Savings Accounts are anticipated to broaden eligibility, potentially extending the program’s reach to a wider demographic in the coming years. The CHOOSE Act is structured to support various educational expenses, encompassing tuition, textbooks, and related costs.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Voucher Amount | Up to $7,000 for private tuition, homeschooling, tutoring |
| Funding Source | Alabama’s Education Trust Fund |
| Public School Funding | Approximately $5,400 per student from Foundation Program |
| Tuition Rates Post-CHOOSE Act | Many private institutions raised tuition, with averages around $19,000 |
| Allocation Summary | Over $100 million reported allocated to CHOOSE Act since July |
| Legal Support for Challenge | Gathering support from lawyers, superintendents, and community |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CHOOSE Act?
The CHOOSE Act, passed by the Alabama Legislature in 2024, permits families to apply for up to $7,000 in school vouchers for private school tuition, home education, and tutoring.
What are the criticisms of the CHOOSE Act?
Critics, including Huntsville School Board member Andrea Alvarez, argue that the CHOOSE Act is unconstitutional and diverts necessary resources from public schools.
How much funding do public schools receive per student?
Huntsville City Schools receive approximately $5,400 from the Foundation Program based on average daily enrollment from the prior school year.
What has been the impact of the CHOOSE Act on private school tuition rates?
Reports indicate that private schools have significantly raised their tuition rates since the CHOOSE Act’s implementation, with average rates reaching around $19,000 annually.
What is the expected future of Alabama’s Education Savings Accounts?
Alabama’s Education Savings Accounts are projected to expand eligibility, potentially targeting a broader demographic over the coming years.
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Additional Resources
- Alabama Education Lab
- 1819 News
- Alabama News
- Seattle Medium
- Alabama Reflector
- Wikipedia: Education in Alabama
- Google Search: Alabama school choice
- Google Scholar: Alabama CHOOSE Act
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Choice
- Google News: Alabama choose act
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
