In the Public Interest is not alone in believing a strong public education is the core of a thriving democracy. But it has been a central pillar of our work for the last decade and a half.
We’ve studied and discussed in our newsletters charter schools, vouchers programs, and the outsourcing of school support services–all of which signal a steady slide toward the privatization of education.
In our recently updated Resource Guide, we gathered together some of the research and tools for all of our topic areas. As students, teachers, administrators, and support staff return for the 2025-26 school year–facing cuts we outlined last week at the federal level (and likely additional cuts at the state and local level, we wanted to foreground our education work.
Charter Schools and Fiscal Impact
This brief describes some of the most common causes and types of fiscal impact and offers suggestions for how local or state officials might address this concern.
Real Estate and Charter Schools: A Growing Industrial Complex
This brief introduces the basics of how real estate development has become a major force behind the expansion of charter schooling. Following an overview of the issue, this brief focus on the proliferation of “related entities” transactions, which make up some of the most egregious examples of real estate profiteering.
Public-Private Partnerships for K-12 Public School Facilities
A guide to understanding and analyzing public school facility P3 proposals, contracts, and related legislation.
School Support Services Outsourcing: The Original Privatization of Education
This report explores why support services are critical to the success of students and the school, the risks and impacts of privatization of support services, why corporations are targeting support services, and efforts to push back against and prevent privatization in schools.
How Community Schools are Transforming Public Education
In the Public Interest, the Network for Public Education, and the Partnership for the Future of Learning have produced a report on the community school approach.The Fiscal Consequences of Private School Vouchers
The report from In the Public Interest partners Public Funds Public Schools examines the growth in voucher programs and spending in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin in the decade following the Great Recession.
Opposing Private School Vouchers: A Toolkit for Legislators and Advocates
Published by the National Coalition for Public Education, of which In the Public Interest is a member, the toolkit is designed as a resource to help legislators and pro-public school advocates oppose attempts to create or expand existing private school voucher programs.
The Education Law Center’s Public Funds Public Schools created an FAQ for the Federal Voucher Program .
Memo on the Federal Tax Credit Voucher Program in the Public Law
Earlier this month, the National Coalition for Public Education published a memo on the Federal Tax Credit Voucher Program in the Public Law.