At least 64 percent of school costs vary with enrollment, estimates The Fiscal Effects of School Choice Programs on Public School Districts, an analysis by the Friedman Foundation For Educational Choice. That means “school choice programs where ‘the money follows the child’ can be designed . . . to improve the fiscal situation of public school districts.”
Spending per student averaged $12,450 in 2008-09. If a departing student takes $7,967 to another school, there would be no fiscal burden on the average public school district. A smaller voucher would provide more money to be spent on the remaining students. If enough students leave, the district can save more money by consolidating schools.