The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Is Taking Shape. Here’s What Public System Leaders Can Do Now.

A New Field Guide for K–12 Public System Leaders

The federal scholarship tax credit does not take effect until 2027. But by the time the first scholarship is awarded, many of the decisions that will determine who benefits—and how—may already have been made.

Those decisions could shape which services are available, which families can access them, who controls the funds, what safeguards are in place, and how the program affects the public systems responsible for serving every child.

Chiefs for Change’s new field guide offers K–12 public system leaders a framework for engaging now. It identifies five tests for evaluating implementation and seven actions state chiefs and superintendents can take as the program takes shape.

The guide focuses on early engagement, workable pathways for public school students, strong protections for families, transparent public evidence, meaningful accountability, and the broader implications for public education systems.

“Public education leadership does not stop at the boundaries of a school system. Leaders should engage early to help ensure this new program delivers real benefit for children and families.”

Bob Runcie
CEO, Chiefs for Change

[DOWNLOAD THE FIELD GUIDE]