by Calder Svensen

The landscape of American education is shifting. With the potential dissolution of the Federal Department of Education, states have a rare opportunity to rethink how education dollars are spent. Rather than waiting for broad, national solutions that may never materialize, Virginia should lead in designing an approach that prioritizes flexibility, choice, and long-term benefits for students.

A Student-Centered Funding Model

Picture a family — two working parents raising a child, navigating each stage of the child’s education with limited options. Early on, they struggle with the high cost of daycare, unable to access public pre-K until age four. As their child moves through school, they make decisions based on what’s available, not necessarily what’s best. By high school, they worry about how to afford college or vocational training, knowing the cost could leave their child with years of debt.

Now, imagine an alternative: a student-account model that gives families direct access to their child’s allocated education funds while keeping resources within the state’s education system. Rather than being locked into a single school assignment, these accounts allow parents to see exactly how much funding is allocated per student and decide how best to use it — whether for public school, homeschooling, or alternative education.

This shift begins early, with funding available at age three or four for daycare, pre-K, or preschool programs approved by the district. Instead of waiting until kindergarten for formal education support, families could apply funds toward early learning, relieving financial pressure and ensuring children start school better prepared. Education isn’t something that starts at a set age — it’s a continuous journey that should be supported from the beginning.

As students progress, funding follows them — whether they stay in public school or opt for alternatives like Montessori programs, hybrid homeschooling, or specialized private schools. The key difference in this model is that unused funds roll over annually, accumulating over time. This means families can save for future educational expenses at any stage: elementary and middle school savings could help afford specialized high school programs, while funds rolled over from K-12 could be applied toward in-state universities, community colleges, vocational training, or trade apprenticeships.

This isn’t a school voucher model, which often diverts funding away from public schools. This keeps education dollars within Virginia’s system, ensuring that resources support students directly while maintaining funding within the state’s public, private, and vocational institutions.

The Role of School Districts

This model does not dismantle school districts or reallocate local tax revenue. Instead, it ensures that per-student funding—federal, state, and district contributions—is fully visible and follows the student rather than being tied exclusively to a school district’s central budget. Families remain within their district boundaries for funding purposes but can choose from all district-approved options, including public schools, career and technical education programs, hybrid models, or approved private and homeschooling alternatives. By making these funds transparent, parents can evaluate their best educational options, knowing exactly how much they will need to allocate.

Wealthier districts that supplement education through local taxes will continue to do so, maintaining their ability to invest additional resources in their schools. Meanwhile, students in lower-income districts—who often have fewer educational opportunities—would benefit from expanded school choice, access to alternative programs, and greater financial flexibility to seek specialized instruction, vocational training, or stronger academic environments that better fit their needs.

By shifting funding control to families while keeping dollars within Virginia’s education system, this model empowers parents, strengthens schools, and ensures students receive an education tailored to their needs—without the financial burden of student loans down the line.

A Path to Education Without Student Debt

One of the most critical aspects of this model is that any money left unspent rolls over. Instead of disappearing at the end of each year, these funds accumulate, creating a potential savings pool for post-secondary education. Whether a student chooses to attend a university, a community college, or a trade program in Virginia, they’ll have a financial foundation to support that next step—potentially eliminating or significantly reducing the need for student loans.

This ensures that students have a direct pathway to higher education or workforce training without accumulating crippling debt. Virginia could lead the way in reversing the national student loan crisis, proving that a well-structured, student-centered funding model can create opportunity without financial burden.

Seizing the Moment for Meaningful Change

As states prepare to take more control over their education policies, Virginia has a choice: maintain the status quo or seize this moment to build an education system that prioritizes students first. By keeping funding within the state, allowing families more flexibility, and ensuring that unspent funds create long-term opportunities, this model gives Virginia’s students a school year and a future they can finally afford.

Calder Svendsen is a career educator with over 15 years of service in central VA schools.