Jack Ciattarelli, a candidate for governor of New Jersey, has expressed support for school vouchers and plans to opt the state into a new federal program expected in 2027. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
“Where school districts are failing students, I’ve long supported a voucher program to give parents real choice,” said Jack M Ciattarelli. “Thanks to the recent federal budget bill, a first-ever national voucher program will take effect in 2027—if states opt in. As Governor, I’ll make sure New Jersey does. New Jersey families deserve better.”
Congress established the first national school voucher system through tax-credit scholarships in July 2025 with the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” States are required to opt in, with implementation scheduled for 2027. The states will oversee scholarship-granting organizations and set participation rules. According to Education Week, governors or designated officials must opt in, and timelines anticipate state build-out before the 2027 rollout.
Nationwide participation in private school choice programs has increased significantly. EdChoice reported a 25% year-over-year increase in 2025 across vouchers, tax-credit scholarships, and Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). Indiana’s voucher program enrolled 75,269 students during the 2024-25 academic year. In contrast, New Jersey currently does not have an operational private school choice program.
For New Jersey, opting into the federal program would allow tax credits up to approximately $1,700 per donor to fund private-school scholarships. This could result in state revenue losses equal to the credits claimed; however, remaining out of the program would mean foregoing new scholarship dollars. Public-school officials have warned about potential funding shifts away from districts if the state opts in.
Ciattarelli is a Republican businessman and former Assembly member who served from 2011 to 2018. He was also the GOP nominee for governor in both 2021 and 2025. His campaign focuses on revamping school funding and supporting parental choice while opposing forced district mergers.
New Jersey’s K-12 education system is governed by a 13-member State Board of Education appointed by the governor. The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) executes policy while local boards run districts. The state offers charter schools, magnet schools, and interdistrict choice but lacks a private-voucher program. The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) remains a central stakeholder in policy debates.
