How does having school choice options affect the funding of public schools?

Yes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_choice

Having school choice options can affect the funding of public schools in a few different ways. It is important to note that the specific impact can vary depending on the policies implemented and the local context. However, I will explain the general mechanisms behind the potential effects.

1. Voucher Programs: One form of school choice is the implementation of voucher programs, where public funds are used to subsidize students' attendance at private schools. When students leave public schools to attend private schools using vouchers, the public school system loses the funding associated with those students. This can result in decreased funding for public schools, as they receive funds based on the number of students enrolled.

2. Charter Schools: Another form of school choice is the establishment of charter schools, which are publicly funded but independently operated schools. In this case, the funding for charter schools may come from the same budget as traditional public schools. As students choose to attend charter schools, the available funding is distributed across a larger number of schools, which can lead to reduced funding for traditional public schools.

3. Impact on Per-Pupil Funding: The amount of funding a public school receives is often tied to the number of students enrolled. When students opt for school choice options and leave public schools, the per-pupil funding distribution can be affected. If a significant number of students leave, the remaining students in public schools may receive less funding per student, impacting the resources available for their education.

It's worth noting that the impact of school choice on public school funding is a complex issue with various factors at play. The funding impact can be influenced by factors such as the specific policies enacted, the size of the student population, and the overall funding allocation methods in place. To understand the precise impact of school choice on public school funding, it is important to consider local context, policies, and ongoing research in your specific region.