Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) expressed profound disappointment following the Senate Education Committee’s vote of 5-2 to kill SB 64, the California Education Flex Account Act of 2025. SB 64 would have been part of a solution to address California’s low educational ranking of 37th in the nation. The measure would have transformed K-12 education in California by empowering parents with the ability to select the accredited school that best suits their child’s unique needs and ensure that education funding follows the student. Click HERE to view remarks from Senator Grove and Deacon John Wilson at her press conference prior to the bill's hearing.
“Senate Bill 64 would have empowered families, not bureaucracies, and let the money follow the child,” said Senator Grove. “The Senate Education Committee’s decision to kill SB 64 denies parents and students the chance to thrive in schools tailored to their needs. Currently, when students are trapped in low-performing schools simply because of their zip code or in a school model that does not meet their needs the results are predictable—failure. When given a choice, it’s proven they excel. We will not stop fighting for that choice.”
California spends approximately $24,700 per student well above the national average but consistently ranks near the bottom in academic achievement among 4th and 8th graders. Despite this significant investment, many parents believe the current system fails to prepare students for college and careers.
Students of color, particularly African American and Latino students, disproportionately face challenges in meeting grade-level standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Yet when given options, Black and Hispanic students from low-income neighborhoods outperform their peers in traditional public schools. In fact, 33% of the top public high schools for low-income African American students are charters, and 52% of the top public high schools for low-income Latino students are charters.
Senate Bill 64 would have provided the following for California students:
- Individualized Flex Accounts:
- Establishes a School Choice Flex Account providing $8,000 for tuition and education-related expenses.
- Creates a Special Education Flex Account offering $16,000 for students with special needs.
- Funds are specific to each school year, with unused balances reverting to the state’s General Fund for K-12 education.
- Supporting Existing Public Schools:
- Local and federal funding will remain allocated to public schools, increasing per-pupil spending for students who continue in their local schools.
- Accountability and Accessibility:
- Ensures that all funds are utilized for accredited educational institutions, providing parents with confidence and transparency.
Senator Grove authored SB 64 to ensure that:
- Students can access schools tailored to their learning styles and goals.
- Public schools retain critical funding to support their students.
- Families of all backgrounds have equal opportunities to seek quality education, including those in special education programs.
Despite today’s setback, Senator Grove remains committed to advancing educational opportunities for all California students and vows to continue the fight for school choice.