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REPORTTOGOVERNORANDLEGISLATURE
ANOKLAHOMASCHOLARSHIPGRANTINGORGANIZATION
DECEMBER31,2017UpdatedJanuary10,2018
Report to Governor and Legislature December18, 2017 - updated January 10, 2018 2
Every child learns differently. Some students may need special technology or smaller classes. This is why choice is so important, particularly for low- and middle-income families. The issue is not public versus private schools. It is about finding the place where every student learns the best.
Our scholarships are worth up to $5,000, or 80% of the average per-pupil expenditure in the assigned public school district, whichever is greater. For students with special needs who attend a public school with an IEP, the scholarship is worth up to $25,000.
Eligible students must be legal residents who demonstrate financial need or a special learning need or difference. Students must be accepted in a member private school before applying for a scholarship.
Member Schools58 +
Over $9.1millionin Donations
Scholarships Awarded
1,600 +
82%of Scholarship Dollars go to
Lower-Income Students
The Opportunity Scholarship Fund is a scholarship granting organization that provides financial support to Oklahoma K-12 students to attend accredited private schools in our state.
We believe every child deserves the chance to learn in the best school available, based on that child's learning needs.
CHOICE FOR OKLAHOMA FAMILIES
SAVES $1.24 IN STATE SPENDING
EVERY$1 IN TAX CREDITS
Report to Governor and Legislature December18, 2017 - updated January 10, 2018 3
FOUR GROUPS THAT BENEFIT FROM TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIPS
#1If you are a parent – it will help you afford to send your child to an accredited private K-12 school.
#2If you are a member school – it will allow more families to consider attending your school.
#3If you are a donor – it will offer you generous state tax credits.
#4If you are a taxpayer – it will save you money.
BENEFITS FOR DONORSThe Oklahoma Legislature authorized generous tax credits for donors to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) like Opportunity Scholarship Fund. SGOs are not-for-profit entities that must expend at least 90% of their revenues on private-school scholarships.
All donors are eligible for Oklahoma tax credits of 50% of the annual donation amount. Donors who pledge in writing to give the same amount over two years will receive a 75% tax credit for both years.
1401 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73104(405) 602.1667www.osfkids.org
Follow us on Facebook: @OSFkids
Report to Governor and Legislature December18, 2017 - updated January 10, 2018 4
ENDORSEMENTFormerSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives
GovernorMaryFallin,StateofOklahomaSenatorMikeSchulz,PresidentProTemporeoftheSenateRepresentativeCharlesMcCall,SpeakeroftheHouseOklahomaStateCapitol2300NorthLincolnBoulevardOklahomaCity,OK73104IamwritingthislettertoendorsetheexpansionoftheOklahomaEqualOpportunityEducationScholarshipAct(the“Act”).IwastheSpeakeroftheOklahomaHouseofRepresentativeswhentheenablinglegislationfortheActwasamendedandimprovedbyHB2643in2014.Thisprogramawardsscholarshipstolow-incomestudentsandgivesthemtheopportunitytoreceiveaspecializededucationatanaccreditedandparticipatingprivateschool.Currently,IamservingasoneoftheBoardofDirectorsfortheOpportunityScholarshipFund(OSF)andIamproudtoprovidemyendorsement.
WhentheActwascreated,thelegislativeintentwastoallotstateincometaxcreditswhichprovidedincentivestogenerateprivatedollarsthatsimultaneouslybenefitedtaxpayers,familiesandthestatebudget.Tomeetthisobjective,theprogramwasintentionallyrestrictedsothatthevalueandoperationscouldbeassessedafterafour-yearperiod.
Uponexaminingthefour-yearassessment,Iampleasedtoreportthatallgoalshavebeenmetandsurpassed.Withthisproofofconcept,Iamnowconvincedthatitistimetoremovetheinitialrestrictionsandallowthisprogramtoreachitsfullpotential.
ThisattachedreportfromthepremierscholarshipgrantingorganizationinOklahomashouldprovidethenecessarydatatojustifyliftingthelimitationsonthisprogram.Pleasedon’tmissanopportunitytoletthisprogramflourishandsignificantlybenefitourstatebudgetandthetaxpayers.
Thankyouforyourconsideration.
Regards,
T.W.ShannonSpeakeroftheHouse2013-2014OSFBoardMember2016-current
Report to Governor and Legislature December18, 2017 - updated January 10, 2018 5
ENDORSEMENTSParent,Media,Legislator,Governor,OSFLeadership
PARENT“Thesescholarshipsprovideopportunitiesforchildrenthattheymaynothaveanywhereelse.Icannotspeakforanyotherfamilythatreceivedascholarshiplikethisone,however,Icantellthemwhatadifferenceitmadeinmyson'slife.Icantellthemthathehasabetterchanceofbecomingasuccessfulandproductivememberofsocietyinsteadofastatisticbeinglabelled(sic)adrugabuserwhowouldendupinjailorlivingonthestreetsorpossiblyevendyinganearlydeathbecauseofadrugoverdose.”“Mysonhasreceivedasecondchanceatlife.Hehasgoals.Hehasambitionandmotivationtodobetter.ThisisbecausetheOpportunityScholarshipFundawardedhimthefinancialsupporttoattendMissionAcademyandgetthehelpthatheneeded.Morekidsneedthishelp.Parentsneedthishelp.”MichelleSamoska,August8,2017.MEDIA“Icingonthecakeisthattheprogramincreasesavailablefundsinpublicschools,anditshowswhylawmakersshouldnotonlyincreasethesizeofthescholarshiptaxcreditprogram,butenactadditionalschoolchoicemeasures.”EditorialBoard,TheOklahoman,November10,2017.LEGISLATOR“Itwasanhonortomeetseveralstudentsandparentswhousethesescholarships,”saidstateRep.ForrestBennett,D-OklahomaCity.“TheOpportunityScholarshipFundisagreatbenefitforeducationinOklahoma.”OklahomaFamiliesReceiveMoreThan$1MillionforK-12Scholarships– PressRelease,October2,2017
GOVERNOR“Oklahomaiscommittedtocontinuallyimprovingthequalityofeducationalopportunitiesandempoweringparentsandstudentstochooseeffectiveeducationoptionsthatbestfittheirneedsandacademicgoals.”SchoolChoiceWeekProclamation– January22,2017
OSFLEADERSHIPQ&AwithBoardPresidentCharlieDaniels:Question:“Whatistheonethingyouwanttoaccomplishinthenextyear?”(2018)Answer:“I’dliketoraisethestatutorycapontotaltaxcreditsnextyearandletthisbirdsoar.”OSFNewsletterFall2017
Report to Governor and Legislature December18, 2017 - updated January 10, 2018 6
PROGRAMDESCRIPTIONIn2011,theLegislatureauthorizedthecreationofscholarshipgrantingorganizations(SGO),withlimitedtaxcreditstoincentivizetheSGOprogram.Nostateappropriationsareused.TherearecurrentlysixoperatingSGOsserving97accreditedprivateschoolsinthestate.ThelargestisourOpportunityScholarshipFund(OSF)with59memberschools.TherearetwoCatholicSGOsserving34schools.ThreeotherSGOsservefouraccreditedprivateschools.
TheOpportunityScholarshipFundbecameoperationalonJuly1,2014.Sincethatdate,theOSFadded59memberschools;raisedatotalofover$10millionthroughDecember31,2017;andawarded1,675scholarshipsvaluedatover$4.5million.TheOSFisorganizedinamannertooptimizemember-schoolresponsibilityandbenefits,andtominimizecentralauthorityandcontrol.Thismethodofdistributedresponsibility,whilemaintainingcentralstandards,hasprovenhighlyeffective.
2014-17SummaryofOperationsOPPORTUNITYSCHOLARSHIPFUND
2014 2015 2016 2017* TOTALS
Donations $323,955 $1,255,553 $3,397,647 $5,097,284 $10,074,439
Scholarships 3 183 475 1,014 1,675
ScholarshipValue $ 9,413 $443,839 $1,063,364 $3,039,837 $4,556,453
TaxCredits(est.) $161,978 $627,777 $2,541,025 $3,733,284 $7,064,064*unaudited
24Counties32Communities
59MemberSchools
OSF SCHOOLS ARE STATEWIDE(BLUE COUNTIES HAVE ONE OR MORE OSF SCHOOLS)
Report to Governor and Legislature December18, 2017 - updated January 10, 2018 7
PROGRAMBENEFITSTheSGOprogrambalancespublic,privateandcommunitysectors,eachdoingwhatitdoesbest.Underthisprogram,donationsfromindividualsandprivatecompaniesarereceivedanddepositedinprivatebanks,administeredbyaprivateorganization(theSGO),withscholarshipsdeterminedbyprivateschoolstobenefitlocalstudentsandfamilies.ThegovernmentauthorizesthestatetaxcreditsandinsuresschoolstandardsandaccountabilityTherearemanyconstituenciesoftheSGOprograms.Everyconstituenthassignificantlybenefitted.NoconstituentwithintheOSFhasbeendisadvantaged.• Students:Therehavebeen1,675scholarshiprecipientsatmemberschools.Anestimated
75%ofthesestudentswouldnotbeattendingmemberschoolswithoutthesescholarshipsandwouldotherwisebeenrolledatpublicschools,increasingtheassociatedcostsfortheirpublic-schooldistrictsandtaxpayers.
• Parents/Families:Everyparticipatingfamilyisthoroughlyvettedtoensurescholarshipfundsareawardedbaseduponfinancialneed.Thescholarshipfundsenablefamilieswithlimitedresourcestoaffordtheeducationalprogramsandenvironmenttheybelievearebestfortheirchildrenandtheirchildren’seducationaldevelopment.
• Donors:Individual,familyandcorporatedonorsreceivedtaxcreditsthroughtheOSFof
approximately$7millionsince2014andanestimated$3.7millionin2017alone.
• Taxpayers:AnindependentFiscalImpactStudycompletedthisyearbyresearchersatOklahomaCityUniversityprovesthatthesescholarshiptaxcreditsresultinactualsavingstothestateofOklahoma.Thestudyshowsthat,foreverydollaroftaxcreditsused,theOklahomataxpayerrealizes$1.24insavingsand,whenallothersourcesofeducationalfundingareconsidered,thestatebudgetwillsave$2.58.
Therefore,thereisrealvalue,bothfinancialandeducational,inremovingallgivingrestrictionsfromthisprogram.PROGRAMSUCCESSESTheOSFisamultimillion-dollarprogramthathasoperatedwithlessthanonefull-timeemployeethrough2017.Theall-volunteerOSFBoardofDirectorsrecentlyvotedtoreducetheorganization’sauthorizedoverheadfrom10%to7.5%ofdonatedfundsanddistributedexcessoperatingfundsfromfiscalyear2016intheformofscholarshipstoitsmemberschools.Thisorganizationisoneofthebeststructuredandmostcost-effectiveprogramsofitskindinthenation.TheSGO/EIGOprogramhasanapprovedstatewideannualtaxcreditcapof$5million.ThegoodnewsisthattheprogramhasquicklybecomesopopularthattheSGOtaxcreditcapwasmetin2016andisexpectedtobeexceededin2017.Thebadnewsisthatfailuretoincrease
Report to Governor and Legislature December18, 2017 - updated January 10, 2018 8
thecapwillretardtheprogram'smomentum,frustratethepurposeoftheauthorizingstatute,anddeterimmediatefiscalsavingstothestate.Thereare77non-CatholicaccreditedprivateschoolsinOklahoma.Morethan75%(58)oftheseschoolsareactiveparticipantsintheOpportunityScholarshipFund.Thosethatdonotparticipateeitherhavelittlecapacitytoseatlow-incomestudents;ordonothavethedevelopmentcapacitywithintheirexistingstaffingstructures.The59OSFmemberschoolscollectivelygenerated$3.4millionindonationsin2016,andover$5millionin2017.Thenumbercouldbegreater,butschoolsanddonorsareawareoftheexistingstatewidecapandarecoordinatingtheirefforts.WhenOSFlaunchedinJuly2014,anunexpectedbenefitarose.Itattractedschoolsthatdonotchargetuitionbecausetheyservespecialpopulations.TheseschoolsincludePositiveTomorrows(elementaryschoolforhomelesschildren),TheLittleLightHouse(elementaryschoolsfordevelopmentallychallengedstudents),MissionAcademy(highschoolforstudentsrecoveringfromaddictions),HappyHandsEducationCenter(preschoolandkindergartenforhearingimpairedchildrenandtheirfamilies),andmorerecentlyPathstoIndependence[(autisticchildren).Theavailabilityofthealternativeeducationalprogramsprovidedbyschoolssuchasthesearealsoabenefittopublicschoolsbecausetheyprovideaprivateavenueforchildrenwithspecialneedstoreceivethespecialized/alternativeprogrammingtheyrequire.Thisinturnenablesalreadyover-taxedpublicschoolsystemsandteacherstodevotemoretimeandresourcestotheirmainstreamkids.PROGRAMWEAKNESSES(FAILURES)Nosignificantprogramweaknesses(failures)havebeenidentifiedotherthanlimitationsontheeffectivenessoftheprogramthatarecausedbytheannualstatewidelimitsandcapsondonations,andapplicationofthetaxcreditbenefits.ThecappreventsSGOsfromexpandingthisbeneficialprogramtomorelow-incomefamiliesandfromincidentallyprovidingthestatewithmoresavings.Theapplicationtoonlyincometaxrestrictsthegivingbase.Therearethreesignificantprogramweaknessesthatmayeasilyberemedied.Theyareembeddedinthe2014statuteandinhibittheSGOprogramsfromachievingmuchgreaterpotentialandrelevance.Thefirstpertainstothedefinitionof“low-incomefamilies.Thesecondconcernsthepercentageofscholarshipdollarsawardedto“low-income”families.Thethirdrelatestotheunnecessarylimitationsonstatewidetaxcreditsanddonorgiving.
DefinitionofLow-IncomeItistheintentofthelawthatamajorityofscholarshipsfundsbereceivedby“low-incomestudents.”Thestatutorydefinitionof“low-income”iseligibilityforthe“freeandreducedlunch”(FRL)program,thatisafamilyincomeoflessthan185%offederalpovertylevel(FPL).Wesuggestthatthismetricisartificiallylowandthatafamilyat190%,200%or250%ofFPLislikelytostruggle.
Report to Governor and Legislature December18, 2017 - updated January 10, 2018 9
FreeorReducedLunchPercentageLanguageintheenablingstatutesuggestsbutdoesnotmandatethattheSGO’sscholarshipdollarsbeawardedto“low-income”recipientsinthesameproportionasthepercentageofpublicschoolstudentsonthe“freeandreducedlunch”program.Thatstatewidepercentageisareported62%bytheStateDepartmentofEducation.ThepercentageofOSFscholarshipsgrantedtoFRL-eligiblestudentscurrentlystandsat55%.
ThisyearOSFengagedtheservicesofamarketingfirmtohelptargetlowincomefamiliesandeducatethemabouttheavailabilityofthesescholarshipsfortheirchildren,butmeetingthestatewidepercentagecontinuestoprovedifficult.AbigcontributingfactortothisdifficultyisthestatewideFRL-eligiblepercentagereportedbytheStateDepartmentofEducationissomewhatarbitraryandmisleading.
BoththeTulsaandOklahomaCitypublicschooldistrictsprovidefreelunchestoallelementaryschoolstudentsregardlessoffamilyincome.Bothdistrictshaveindicatedtheywouldlikethispolicytobepermanent.
ThispolicyartificiallyinflatesthestatewidepercentageofFRL-eligiblestudents.Also,datareportedbypublicschoolsisofteninflatedforavarietyofadministrativepurposes,nottheleastofwhichisthatpublicschoolsdonotrequireverifiableproofofincome.Thestandardshouldbemodifiedtocreateaflexibilitythatwillbetterreflectreality.Applicationofthegenerallyrecognizedstandardof300%ofFPLforthedefinitionof“lowincome”wouldenableOSFandotherSGOstobroadenthebaseoffamiliesservedwhilestillcarryingouttheoriginalintentandspiritofthescholarshipprogram,whichistoserveprimarilylow-incomefamilies.DonorandTaxCreditLimitationsAnimportantFiscalImpactStudyisattached.ItwasresearchedandpreparedbyRussellEvans,PhDandJacobDearman,PhDoftheStevenC.AgeeResearchCenteratOklahomaCityUniversity.Theiranalysishasproventhatforeverydollaroftaxcreditsused,thestate/localtaxpayerandthestatebudgetwillsave$2.58and$1.24,respectively.Conversely–foreverymilliondollarsoftaxcreditsNOTallowed,thestatebudgetwillforegoasavingsof$250,000andthetaxpayerwillbetaxedanadditional$2.5million.Therefore,thereisrealvalueinremovingallgivingrestrictionsfromthisprogram.
REQUESTEDPOLICYCHANGESOklahomaisoneof18statesthatsponsorataxcreditscholarshipprogram.Notwostatesareidentical,yetallstatessharethreecommoncharacteristics.Theyare:givinglimits,valueoftaxcreditsandscholarshipeligibility.Thecurrentlawimposesacaponthetaxcreditsallowedstatewide,limitsdonorcredits,putsceilingsonscholarshipeligibilityincome,andlimitsthecreditstooffsetincometaxonly.
Thepotentialforthisprogramisestimatedtobemorethan$80million,servingupto30,000low-incomestudents.Suchgrowthrequirestheeliminationofartificialbarriersandlimitations.
Report to Governor and Legislature December18, 2017 - updated January 10, 2018 10
TheOklahomaLegislatureshouldremoveallindividualdonationlimitsandstatewidecaps.RemovaloftherestrictionsandlimitswillenableSGOstoexpandtotheirfullpotential,whichinturnwillresultinimmediateandsignificantsavingsforthestateandtheOklahomataxpayer.InlightoftheincludedFiscalImpactStudy,theOSFsuggestsandrequeststhatthecurrentlawbeamendedtoreflectthefollowing:
• TheannualtaxcreditcapforallSGOsiscurrently$5million.AccordingtotheFiscalImpactStudy,itisinthestate'sbestfiscalintereststoremoveallstatewidetaxcreditcaps.
• Currentlawallowsstatetaxcreditsofeither50%or75%ofthedonatedamount,dependinguponthelengthofcommitment.Itisinthestate’sbestfiscalintereststocreatedonation/taxcreditparityofadollarcreditforadollardonation.
• Thecurrenttaxcreditlimitis$1,000forindividuals,$2,000forjointfilers;and$100,000forqualifiedbusinessentities.Itisinthestate’sfiscalintereststoremoveannuallimitationsondonorstoallowtheprogramtogrowandsavethestateanditstaxpayersmoremoney.
• Eligibilityandperformancemetricsrelatedtolow-incomerecipientsshouldberevisedtodefinelow-incomeas300%ofFPLandnottiedtotheFRL-eligibilitypercentagereportedbytheStateDepartmentofEducation
• Thelawlimitsthetaxcreditapplicationtoincometaxesonly.Thetaxcreditapplicabilityshouldbeexpandedtoincludeotherstatetaxes,includingbutnotlimitedtoalcohol,tobacco,insurancepremiums,andeventuallysalestaxes.
REPORTSUMMARYOurOpportunityScholarshipFundhasproventobeamodelpublic-privatepartnership.Theincentivesarewellbalancedforallparties;theneedsbeingmetarereal;theadministrationisleanandthefinancialaccountingandaccountabilityissolid.Thisprogramappearstobebalancedandself-calibratingineveryadministrativeandfiscalmanner.Theonlybarriertogreatersuccessaretheartificiallimitationsplaceduponprogramgiving.Thesewereinitiallyestablishedasamatterofprudence.Duringthisinitialfouryearsofoperation,theprogramnowhasademonstrableandpositive“returnoninvestment”forstatetaxpayers,andstatebudgetalikewithoutdetractingfromotherpublicoperations.Givenourfiscalimpactresearch,itistimetoremoveallsuchgivingbarriersandallowthisprogramtofullymatureandgrowtoitsmaximumsizeandimpact.Itwillbenefiteveryoneandharmnoone.REPORTENCLOSURESFiscal ImpactStudy -AuditedFinancialStatements -ExemptOrganizationTaxReturn -FamilySupportLetters-MediaEditorialSupport
Enclosure1
FISCALIMPACTANALYSISStevenC.AgeeEconomicResearchandPolicyInstitute
FISCAL IMPACT ANALYSIS
OF THE OKLAHOMA EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY
SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT
Prepared by:
Jacob Dearmon, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Data Analytics
Meinders School of Business
Oklahoma City University
Russell Evans, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Steven C. Agee Economic Research and Policy Institute
Meinders School of Business
Oklahoma City University
1
Executive Summary
Established in 2011, the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act
offers state income tax credits to qualifying donations that provide private K -12
school opportunities to primarily low-income Oklahoma families. The purpose of
the program is not to generate a fiscal return to the state, but rather to provide
support to those Oklahoma families for whom modest scholarships tip the balance
of opportunity and allow them to pursue what they judge to be a better education
for their student. Any fiscal savings are secondary to, but a useful and important
by-product of, the program’s primary objective. This memo provides a brief
overview of the program through its initial years as well as an estimate of the fiscal
impact to taxpayers. Among the highlights of the report are:
Oklahoma is one of seventeen states with a tax credit scholarship program
The program is administered for the benefit of participating schools through
state and IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit “scholarship granting
organizations” (SGO)
The program provides a tax credit for qualifying donations as follows:
A credit of 50% for one-time donations and 75% for donations that
pledge the same amount for two years
Tax credits are capped at $100,000 for qualified business donors,
$2,000 for taxpayers filing a joint tax return, and $1,000 for individual
tax filers
The program establishes a total tax credit ceiling of $5,000,000
(recently changed from the original ceiling of $3,500,000); if the
program exceeds the ceiling, all tax credits are reduced proportionally
and the donor is allowed to take the “suspended” credits in the next
immediate tax year.
Participating schools must be accredited by the Oklahoma State Board of
Education or an accrediting association approved by the Board; schools must
meet certain other statutory standards.
2
Students must be a child of school age that is lawfully present in the United
States, resides in the state of Oklahoma, and qualifies for scholarship dollars
in one of three ways:
The most common qualifier is income – students who are members of
an Oklahoma household with annual income below 300% of the free
and reduced lunch eligibility guidelines, or
Students living in the attendance zone of a school designated by the
State Department of Education as “in need of improvement”, or
Students attending public school with an individualized education
program (IEP) or professionally identified learning disability
A thorough review of the donations and scholarships awarded through the
state’s three primary SGOs reveals the following:
Scholarships were first issued in school year 2013-2014 with 396
scholarships distributed at an average scholarship award of $154; the
program grew to 1,459 scholarships to be distributed in school year
2016-2017, at an average award of $1,012
Catholic affiliated SGOs account for 29% of donations with 71% of
donations to non-Catholic affiliated SGOs
Corporate donors account for 62% of all donations followed by
taxpayers filing joint tax returns (33%) and individual tax filers (5%)
The fiscal impact to the state is determined by comparing the tax revenue
foregone through the credit with the tax expenditure as students move out of
the public school system. This impact rests on these assumptions:
The probability that a scholarship recipient would have otherwise
attended public school is 75%; this is markedly more conservative than
the probability assumed in comparable analysis in other states
The state spends $8,093 per pupil from all funding sources (federal,
state, and local) with 48%, or $3,885 per pupil, coming specifically from
state sources.
3
The fiscal return to the Oklahoma taxpayer is $2.58 for every $1.00 of tax
credit issued, while the savings specific to the state’s funding is $1.24 for
every $1.00 of tax credit issued
4
Introduction
The Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act (the “Act”), enacted in
2011, provides private K -12 school opportunities to primarily low-income
Oklahoma families from qualified donations to authorized scholarship granting
organizations (SGO) that certify state income tax credits for Oklahoma individuals
and qualified business entities. SGOs award grants, based on policies established
by its member schools, for families whose children would be better served in an
alternative educational environment. For many families, the scholarship received
is often the gap funding necessary to allow a child to attend an accredited private K-
12 school. For these children who would otherwise be attending public school, the
state is exchanging foregone tax revenue in the form of income tax credits for
foregone expenditures in the form of per pupil state funding. This study follows
closely the approach of the Florida Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis
and Government Accountability in estimating the fiscal returns to Oklahoma from
this tradeoff.1
Background
The Act allows qualified donations to be credited against Oklahoma income tax.
The tax credits are equal to 50% of the qualifying donation for a one-time donation
and 75% of the qualifying donation for a donation commitment of the same amount
for two years. Individual income tax credits are limited to $1,000 for individual
income tax filers, $2,000 for taxpayers filing a joint income tax return, and $100,000
for qualified business entities. The total tax credit program is currently capped at
$5,000,000 annually, recently changed from the original ceiling of $3,500,000. All
claimed credits are reduced proportionally if qualifying credits exceed the tax credit
ceiling. However, the donor is allowed to take the “suspended” credits in the next
immediate tax year when the tax credit ceiling is exceeded.
1 The Florida report can be found here http://www.oppaga.state.fl.us/reports/pdf/0868rpt.pdf.
5
The Oklahoma tax credit program is administered through a handful of SGOs on
behalf of qualified participating schools. These not-for-profit organizations are
approved by the Oklahoma Tax Commission, the IRS, and the Office of the
Secretary of State as designated to collect and direct donations to participating
schools selected by the donor. The donor may direct donations to a specific school,
but not to a specific student.
Students qualify for scholarship dollars in one of three ways.
First, and most common, are students who are legal residents and are
members of an Oklahoma household with annual income below 300% of the
free and reduced lunch eligibility guidelines.
Second, students qualify if they live in the attendance zone of a school
designated by the State Board of Education as “in need of improvement.”
Finally, students who attended a public school with an individualized
education program (IEP) or have been identified through specific programs
and/or clinical professionals as having significant disability that affects
learning will qualify.
Having met the terms of admittance to an accredited private school of the family’s
choice, the school works with the student’s parents to determine eligibility of
financial assistance through this program. If a determination of eligibility is made
and a grant for assistance recommended, the school forwards the application and its
recommendations to the SGO for final review, approval and funding.
In order to participate in the program, a school must be accredited by the Oklahoma
State Board of Education or an accrediting association approved by the Board. The
private schools must also be in compliance with all applicable health and safety
codes, have a stated policy against discrimination and ensure academic
accountability through regular progress reports.
6
Private school enrollment in Oklahoma is approximately 36,000 students while
public schools in the state enroll about 694,000 students. In other words, private
schools account for approximately 5% of statewide enrollments. Oklahoma’s share
of private school enrollment is lower than the national average of 9% of all pre-k to
12th grade students being enrolled in private schools. Oklahoma’s scholarship tax
credit program, as currently constituted, is relatively modest in scope serving
roughly 1,500 students in the 2016-2017 school year. For these students, small
scholarships are often the meaningful dollars at the margin that allow for the
family to bridge the affordability gap and choose an educational environment better
suited for their child. Oklahoma is one of seventeen states with similar scholarship
tax credit programs with a brief comparison between the programs of each state
provided by the National Conference of State Legislatures.2
The Oklahoma scholarship program has grown from modest beginnings with the
first scholarships awarded for the 2013-2014 school year to activity levels nearing a
steady state. For the purposes of this report, data was collected from and reviewed
for the state’s three primary scholarship granting organizations covering nearly all
of the scholarships awarded in the state. The individual level donation and
scholarship data reveal 396 scholarships awarded in 2013-2014 with an average
scholarship value of $154. By the 2016-2017 school year the number of scholarships
awarded had grown to 1,464 with an average scholarship amount of $1,012.
2 A comparison can be found here: http://www.ncsl.org/research/education/school-choice-scholarship-
tax-credits.aspx
7
For the most recent calendar year (2016) reviewed in the data, total donations
reached $4,762,061 and are projected to provide 1,328 tax credits totaling
$3,426,674. The 2016-2017 school year operations reflect an average tax credit of
$2,580 and a program that is quickly approaching the original annual cap of
$3,500,000. In total, the data suggest an average effective tax credit of 72%
reflective of the reality that many of the donations, and especially the larger
donations from businesses, are two-year commitments.
The donations and scholarship data provided represent the state’s largest
scholarship granting organization, the Opportunity Scholarship Fund as well as two
smaller, Catholic-school specific funds in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.3 Donations to
the Catholic affiliated SGOs accounted for 29% of all donations with non-Catholic
affiliated donations accounting for 71% of the $4,762,061 total.
3 For SGO specific information see: https://goforcatholicschools.com/; http://osfkids.org/; and
http://cfook.org/programsevents/catholic-schools-opportunity-scholarship-fund
2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017
# of Scholarships 396 680 905 1459
Avg. Scholarship $154.29 $551.27 $1,187.36 $1,012.24
396
680
905
1459
$154.29
$551.27
$1,187.36
$1,012.24
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
Av
era
ge
Sch
ola
rsh
ip A
mo
un
t
Nu
mb
er o
f S
ch
ola
rsh
ips
Scholarship Award History
8
Of the $4,762,061 in donations reviewed, 62% originated with corporate donors
while 38% originated with individual or joint taxpayers.
Corporate donors represent a relatively small share (11%) of the total donor pool
but a relatively large share (62%) of total donations. This reality is to be expected
given the contrast between the maximum corporate tax credit of $100,000 and the
maximum tax credit of $2,000 for joint filers.
A similar pattern emerges in the tax credit claims. Corporations claim only 11% of
the tax credits, but those claims represent 64% of the credit value.
29%
71%
Donations by SGO Affiliation
Catholic
Non-Catholic
62%
33%
5%
Dollars Donated by Donor Type
Corporate
Joint
Individual
9
11%
63%
26%
Number of Tax Credits Claimed
Corporate
Joint
Individual
64%
32%
4%
Dollar Value of Tax Credits Claimed
Corporate
Joint
Individual
10
The Fiscal Impact of Scholarship Tax Credits
The fiscal impact to the state is determined by the tradeoff of foregone tax revenue
and foregone per pupil expenditures. It should be noted explicitly that the purpose
of the program is not to avoid education expenditures. Rather, the purpose is to
provide support to those Oklahoma families for whom small scholarships tip the
balance of opportunity and allow them to pursue what they judge to be a better
education for their student. Any fiscal savings are secondary to, but an important
by-product of, the program’s primary objective.
State fiscal savings are difficult to estimate precisely given the state’s complex
school funding formula and the mix of state, local, and federal funds that support
per pupil expenditures. We use as our baseline measure of per pupil expenditures
$8,093 and estimate that approximately 48% of the funding originates with state
sources. These assumptions are driven by, and consistent with, the state’s publicly
available data and recent work to review the state’s funding formula.4
The fiscal impact of the program hinges on a few key parameters considered in turn
below.
First is the program cap. An increase in the program cap of $5,000,000 would
allow for the program to extend scholarships to more low-income or otherwise
qualified students. Holding all other influences constant, this would extend
the fiscal gains across a wider base and increase the net savings to the state.
Second is the tax credit. An increase in the tax credit increases the foregone
revenue to the state from the program. Holding all other influences constant,
this would decrease the fiscal savings per student and lower the fiscal returns
to the state.
4 For the per pupil expenditure baseline, see https://sdeweb01.sde.ok.gov/OCAS_Reporting/ and for a
review of the state funding formula see Schlomach’s 2015 primer found here
http://nebula.wsimg.com/8ba0eca558707fea11c13b77d204083d?AccessKeyId=CB55D82B5028ABD8B
F94&disposition=0&alloworigin=1.
11
Third is the per pupil expenditure. An increase in the per pupil expenditure
increases the foregone, or avoided, state expenditures and, holding all other
influences constant, would increase the net fiscal returns to the state.
Fourth is the number of scholarships awarded. An increase in the number of
scholarships awarded provides opportunities for more Oklahoma families to
exercise educational choice, which was the Legislature’s purpose for enacting
the Act in 2011. Holding all other influences constant this would increase the
number of students removed from the state’s funding mechanism and
increase the net returns to the state.
Fifth, the estimated fiscal returns are governed by the assumed probability
that the student would not have attended private school in the absence of the
scholarship. If a student would have attended private school regardless, the
scholarship award reduces tax revenue by virtue of the credit but does not
change the education expenditures as that student was already not included
in the funding calculus. Holding all other factors constant, an increase in the
probability that the student would have otherwise attended public school will
increase the fiscal returns to the state.
Previous fiscal assessments have assumed that the scholarship pool is almost
universally unserved by the existing private school systems. The Florida report
that most closely resembles this analysis assumed 90% of the scholarship recipients
would have otherwise attended public schools. An update to the original report
found that only 5% of current students attending private schools would qualify for
the scholarships under their program and increased to 95% the probability that a
given scholarship recipient would have otherwise attended public school.5 Given
the absence of additional information, we conservatively use 75% as our baseline
estimate that a given scholarship recipient would have otherwise attended public
school while the remaining 25% would have attended private schools regardless.
5 The updated 2010 memo can be found here
http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/5423/urlt/OPPAGA_March_2010_Report.pdf while the
original 2008 analysis can be found here http://www.oppaga.state.fl.us/reports/pdf/0868rpt.pdf.
12
Fiscal savings are reported both on a net savings and on a fiscal return basis
expressed as a ratio. The net savings in the table below reports the difference
between the estimated tax expenditures avoided (1,459 scholarships awarded x 75%
of the students that would have otherwise attended public school x the state’s 48%
portion of the per pupil expenditures, or $4,251,161) and the tax revenue foregone
($3,426,674 in tax credits). The fiscal return ratio measure is similar but divides
the expenditures avoided by the revenue foregone giving the dollar returns to the
state for every $1 in foregone tax revenue. The net savings and fiscal return are
reported for both the 48% of the state’s share of funding and the full burden of per
pupil expenditure by all Oklahoma taxpayers.
FISCAL SAVINGS FROM STATE FUNDING ONLY
Education Savings - School Year 2016 Amount
Number of Scholarships ¹ 1,459
% of Students who would have otherwise attended public school ² 75%
Savings per recipient ³ $3,885
Total Educational Savings $4,251,161
Revenue Lost - Calendar Year 2016 Amount
Estimated Tax Credits ⁴ $3,426,674
Ratio $1.24
Net Savings $824,487
FISCAL SAVINGS FROM ALL FUNDING SOURCES
Education Savings - School Year 2016 Amount
Number of Scholarships ¹ 1,459
% of Students who would have otherwise attended public school ² 75%
Savings per recipient ³ $8,093
Total Educational Savings $8,855,765
Revenue Lost - Calendar Year 2016 Amount
Estimated Tax Credits ⁴ $3,426,674
Ratio $2.58
Net Savings $5,429,091
1 - number of scholarships awarded by schools participating in the three
primary scholarship granting organizations
2 - conservative baseline estimate of the share of scholarship recipients that
would have attended public school but for the scholarship received
3 - estimated expenditure per pupil is $8,093/student based Oklahoma
Department of Education information. The state’s portion of per pupil funding
of this portion of expense is 48%, or $3,885.
4 - estimated state income tax credits issued in 2016 based on donations
received from the three primary scholarship granting organizations
5 - net savings equals total educational savings less tax credits issued
13
Using the full value of Oklahoma’s per pupil expenditures of $8,093 yields a net
public saving of $5,429,091 – a return ratio of $2.58 dollars saved for every $1 in tax
credits claimed. Applying this same formula only to the state’s share of per pupil
expenditures of $3,885 ($8,093 x 48%), the fiscal return to the state is a net saving
of $824,487 for a return ratio of $1.24 dollars saved for every $1 in tax credits
claimed. These findings are consistent both with previous efforts to estimate the
fiscal impact of scholarship tax credit programs in other states and the best practice
guidelines suggested by the National Conference of State Legislatures.6 The
savings estimate will vary with assumptions made on the baseline state
expenditures avoided and the probability that the student would have otherwise
attended public school in the absence of the scholarship. The tables in appendix A
illustrate the potential range of savings.
Conclusion
The SGOs established through the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Scholarship Tax
Credit Act issued their first scholarships for the 2013-2014 school year. During that
inaugural year 396 scholarships were provided at an average scholarship value of
$154. The program has grown since the first year issuing 1,459 scholarships at an
average value of $1,012 in school year 2016-2017 and is rapidly approaching the
original tax credit cap for the program of $3,500,000.
The program’s primary intent is to help low-income students, special needs
students, and students at underperforming public schools by providing scholarships
to make alternative education options affordable. At the margin, these scholarship
dollars often make the difference in allowing students to move to private schools
offering educational environments more suited to the student’s needs.
6 See Fiscal Impact of Vouchers and Scholarship Tax Credits,
http://www.ncsl.org/research/education/fiscal-impact-of-school-vouchers-and-scholarship-tax-
credits.aspx.
14
An important secondary impact of the program is the fiscal savings to the state, as
expenditures avoided more than offset the foregone tax streams from the tax
credits. A careful review of the donations and scholarships provided through the
state’s three largest scholarship granting organizations suggests a fiscal saving of
$2.58 for every $1 in claimed income tax credits when all funding sources are
included. Fiscal savings solely to the state budget are estimated at $1.24 for every
$1.00 of tax credit issued.
15
Appendix
The fiscal returns to the state vary with public school attendance probabilities and
state education expenditures. Increases in state expenditures increase fiscal
returns as do increases in the probability that the recipient would have otherwise
attended public school. Previous work summarized by the National Conference of
State Legislatures recommends an attendance school probability of 90% while
recent work in Florida uses a value of 95%. This report uses a more conservative
estimate of 75% suggesting the baseline fiscal returns provided may be understated.
Total Education Savings
Probability of Student Attending Public School
60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95%
Ex
pe
nd
itu
re
per S
tud
en
t
$4,000 $74,926 $366,726 $658,526 $950,326 $1,242,126 $1,533,926 $1,825,726 $2,117,526
$4,500 $512,626 $840,901 $1,169,176 $1,497,451 $1,825,726 $2,154,001 $2,482,276 $2,810,551
$5,000 $950,326 $1,315,076 $1,679,826 $2,044,576 $2,409,326 $2,774,076 $3,138,826 $3,503,576
$5,500 $1,388,026 $1,789,251 $2,190,476 $2,591,701 $2,992,926 $3,394,151 $3,795,376 $4,196,601
$6,000 $1,825,726 $2,263,426 $2,701,126 $3,138,826 $3,576,526 $4,014,226 $4,451,926 $4,889,626
$6,500 $2,263,426 $2,737,601 $3,211,776 $3,685,951 $4,160,126 $4,634,301 $5,108,476 $5,582,651
$7,000 $2,701,126 $3,211,776 $3,722,426 $4,233,076 $4,743,726 $5,254,376 $5,765,026 $6,275,676
$7,500 $3,138,826 $3,685,951 $4,233,076 $4,780,201 $5,327,326 $5,874,451 $6,421,576 $6,968,701
$8,000 $3,576,526 $4,160,126 $4,743,726 $5,327,326 $5,910,926 $6,494,526 $7,078,126 $7,661,726
Education Returns (savings per dollar spent)
Probability of Student Attending Public School
60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95%
Ex
pe
nd
itu
re
per S
tud
en
t
$4,000 $1.02 $1.11 $1.19 $1.28 $1.36 $1.45 $1.53 $1.62
$4,500 $1.15 $1.25 $1.34 $1.44 $1.53 $1.63 $1.72 $1.82
$5,000 $1.28 $1.38 $1.49 $1.60 $1.70 $1.81 $1.92 $2.02
$5,500 $1.41 $1.52 $1.64 $1.76 $1.87 $1.99 $2.11 $2.22
$6,000 $1.53 $1.66 $1.79 $1.92 $2.04 $2.17 $2.30 $2.43
$6,500 $1.66 $1.80 $1.94 $2.08 $2.21 $2.35 $2.49 $2.63
$7,000 $1.79 $1.94 $2.09 $2.24 $2.38 $2.53 $2.68 $2.83
$7,500 $1.92 $2.08 $2.24 $2.39 $2.55 $2.71 $2.87 $3.03
$8,000 $2.04 $2.21 $2.38 $2.55 $2.72 $2.90 $3.07 $3.24
Enclosure2
AUDITEDFINANCIALSTATEMENTCCKStrategies,CertifiedPublicAccountants&Consultants
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
DECEMBER 31, 2016
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND, INC.
Table of Contents
Page
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 1
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Statement of Financial Position 3 Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets 4 Statement of Cash Flows 5 Notes to Financial Statements 6
Certified Public Accountants & Consultants
8811 S. Yale Ave., Ste. 400Tulsa, OK 74137
918-491-4036www.cckcpa.com
1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
The Board of Directors Opportunity Scholarship Fund, Inc. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Opportunity Scholarship Fund, Inc. (a nonprofit organization), which comprise the statement of financial position as of December 31, 2016, and the related statements of activities and changes in net assets and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditors’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors’ judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
2
Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Opportunity Scholarship Fund, Inc. as of December 31, 2016, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Tulsa, Oklahoma August 11, 2017
CCK Strategies, PLLC
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND, INC. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
DECEMBER 31, 2016
See Notes to Financial Statements and Independent Auditors’ Report 3
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETSCash 3,375,119$ Promises to give, net 3,148,011
Total current assets 6,523,130
Total assets 6,523,130$
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIESHeld on behalf of others 6,044,358$
Total current liabilities 6,044,358
NET ASSETSUnrestricted 338,809 Temporarily restricted 139,963
Total net assets 478,772
Total liabilities and net assets 6,523,130$
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND, INC. STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016
See Notes to Financial Statements and Independent Auditors’ Report 4
CHANGES IN UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETSRevenue and other support:
Administrative fee revenue 338,426$ Interest income 890 Realized loss from sale of donated investments (1,265)
Total unrestricted support 338,051
General and Administrative Expenses:Contract Labor 17,500 Accounting fees 4,330 Advertising 24,292 Bank charges 140 Dues and subscriptions 240 Information technology 250 Travel 2,159 Insurance 2,604 Other 65
Total general and administrative expenses 51,580
Increase in unrestricted net assets 286,471
CHANGES IN TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETSContributions 130,045
Increase in temporarily restricted net assets 130,045
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS 416,516
NET ASSETS - beginning of year 62,256
NET ASSETS - end of year 478,772$
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND, INC. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016
See Notes to Financial Statements and Independent Auditors’ Report 5
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ASSETSChange in net assets 416,516$ Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash
provided by operating activities:Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Promises to give (68,184) Funds held on behalf of others - cash received 2,983,976 Funds held on behalf of others - cash disbursed (1,063,094)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2,269,214
NET INCREASE IN CASH 2,269,214
CASH, beginning of year 1,105,905
CASH, end of year 3,375,119$
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016
6
NOTE A - ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization and Purpose Opportunity Scholarship Fund, Inc. (OSF) is a scholarship-granting organization as defined under the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act (the Act). As a scholarship-granting organization, OSF awards educational scholarships to eligible students attending qualified schools as defined in the Act. Oklahoma taxpayers receive a tax credit, as defined in the Act, for their charitable contributions to OSF. Basis of Accounting The accompanying financial statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Net Assets Net assets, revenue and expenses are classified based on the existence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions. Net assets of OSF and changes therein are classified into the following three categories: These classifications are defined as follows:
Unrestricted net assets are free of donor-imposed restrictions; all revenues and expenses that are not changes in permanently or temporarily restricted net assets are unrestricted net assets.
Temporarily restricted net assets are limited by donor-imposed stipulations that either expire with the passage of time or that can be fulfilled or removed by actions of OSF pursuant to those stipulations. Temporarily restricted net assets consists of donor-imposed funds designated for educational scholarships for which the donor has not specified the intended beneficiary.
Permanently restricted net assets are limited by the donor-imposed stipulations that neither expire with the passage of time nor can be fulfilled or otherwise removed by actions of OSF. OSF has no permanently restricted net assets as of December 31, 2016.
Funds Held on Behalf of Others Educational scholarships where the beneficiary has been specified by the donor are treated as agency transactions and are not reported as revenues or expenses in the statement of activities unless OSF has variance power with respect to the determination of the beneficiary. Variance power is the unilateral ability to redirect the use of the transferred assets to another beneficiary. A liability has been established for amounts in which the donor has specified the intended beneficiary and for which OSF does not maintain variance power.
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016
7
NOTE A- ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Recognition of Revenues Contributions received are recorded as unrestricted, temporarily restricted or permanently restricted support, depending on the existence and/or nature of donor restrictions on the use of contributions to provide scholarships at the organization’s discretion of participating eligible schools. OSF reports contributions of cash as temporarily restricted support to the extent that the donor obligates such contributions for the provision of scholarships but does not specify the intended beneficiary. When a scholarship is paid, temporarily restricted net assets are reclassified to unrestricted net assets and reported in the statement of activities and changes in net assets as net assets released from restrictions. Under the Act, OSF is allowed an administrative fee on all current year contributions and cash received for funds held on behalf of others. OSF assessed an administrative fee of 10% of the funds collected from inception to December 31, 2016. Subsequent to year-end, the Board of Directors approved a reduction in the administrative fee to 7.5% of funds collected. Promises to Give Under the Act, any taxpayer who makes a contribution to an eligible scholarship-granting organization and makes a written commitment to contribute the same amount for an additional year receives an additional credit in the taxable year that the commitment is made. The commitments qualify as unconditional promises to give and are recorded when the promises are received. OSF uses the allowance method to determine uncollectible promises to give. The allowance is based on current economic conditions, historical collection rates, and specific identification of uncollectible accounts. As of December 31, 2016, OSF provided an allowance for uncollectible promises to give of $64,245. Income Taxes OSF is exempt for federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision for income taxes is included in the financial statements. OSF is required to file annual information tax returns. OSF evaluates its uncertain tax positions, if any, on a continual basis through review of their policies and procedures, review of their regular tax filings and discussions with outside experts. Management has determined that OSF had no uncertain tax positions that require adjustment to the financial statements.
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2016
8
NOTE A- ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Estimates also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Concentrations of Credit Risk The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) currently insures up to $250,000 of substantially all depository accounts held at each financial institution. At December 31, 2016, OSF’s cash deposits exceeded the federally insured limits. OSF has not experienced any losses in such accounts and management believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk. NOTE B - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS OSF has evaluated subsequent events and their related disclosure through the audit report date which coincides with the financial statement issuance date and identified no such events.
Enclosure3
EXEMPTORGANIZATIONTAXRETURNCCKStrategies,CertifiedPublicAccountants&Consultants
Gross receipts
Check if applicable:
Application pending
Amended return
terminated
Initial return
Name change
Address change
www.irs.gov/form990.
$
Is this a group return for subordinates? Yes No
NoYes
Form of organization: Corporation Trust Association Other Year of formation: State of legal domicile:
Prior Year Current Year
Beginning of Current Year End of Year
Net A
sset
s or
Fund
Bala
nces
Final return/
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
1401 N LINCOLN BLVD STE 200
OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73104
46-4511347
ROBERT SELLERS1401 N LINCOLN BLVD STE 200OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73104
3,383,889
X
XOSFKIDS.ORG
X 2014 OK
SEE SCHEDULE O
8800
00
1,330,203 3,045,836338,426
-3730
1,330,203 3,383,889443,839 1,063,094
011,000 17,500
00
8,050 34,080462,889 1,114,674867,314 2,269,215
1,105,903 3,375,1180 0
1,105,903 3,375,118
ROBERT SELLERS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JEFFREY A. FRABLE, CPA 09/19/17 P01015862
CCK STRATEGIES, PLLC 73-15281948811 S YALE AVE STE 400TULSA, OK 74137-3552 918-491-4036
X
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
X
SEE SCHEDULE O
X
X
1,089,545 1,063,094 338,426THE FUND PROVIDES EXCITING NEW BENEFITS FOR OKLAHOMA STUDENTS, FAMILIES,SCHOOLS, AND DONORS. THE FUND EMPHASIZES SCHOLARSHIP HELP FOR LOW- ANDMIDDLE-INCOME OKLAHOMA STUDENTS. STUDENTS AND FAMILIES NOW HAVE MOREAFFORDABLE SCHOOL CHOICE THAN EVER. ACCREDITED PRIVATE SCHOOLS NOW HAVE APOWERFUL TOOL FOR BUIDLING TUITION SCHOLARSHIP CAPACITY. PARTICIPATINGDONORS AND SPONSORS WILL NOW BE ELIGIBLE FOR GENEROUS OKLAHOMA TAX CREDITS.IN 2016 A TOTAL OF 469 SCHOLARSHIPS WERE AWARDED TO OKLAHOMA STUDENTS BYPARTICIPATING SCHOOLS VIA FUNDS RECEIVED BY OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUNDAND DISTRIBUTED TO PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS.
1,089,545
If “Yes,”complete Schedule A
Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors
If “Yes,” complete Schedule C, Part I
If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part II
If "Yes," complete Schedule C,
If“Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part I
If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part IIIf “Yes,”
complete Schedule D, Part III
If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part IV
If “Yes,” completeSchedule D, Parts XI and XII
If “Yes,” complete Schedule E
If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts II and IV
If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts III and IV
If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part V
If "Yes,"complete Schedule D, Part VI
If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VII
If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VIII
If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IXIf "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part X
If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part X
"Yes," and if the organization answered "No" to line 12a, then completing Schedule D, Parts XI and XII is optional If
If “Yes,” complete Schedule G, Part I
If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part II
If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part III
Part III
If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts I and IV
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
XX
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
XX
X
X
XXX
X
X
X
X
X
X
(continued)
If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IVIf "Yes," complete
Schedule L, Part IV
If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part IV If “Yes,” complete Schedule M
If “Yes,” complete Schedule MIf “Yes,” complete Schedule N,
Part IIf "Yes,"
complete Schedule N, Part II
If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part IIf “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Parts II, III,
or IV, and Part V, line 1
If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2
If “Yes,” complete Schedule R,Part VI
If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part I
through 24d and complete Schedule K. If “No,” go to line 25aIf “Yes,” answer lines 24b
If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and II
If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and III
If "Yes," complete Schedule J
If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I
If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part III
If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2
If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part II
If “Yes,” complete Schedule H
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
XX
X
X
X
X
XX
X
X
X
e-file
If “No” to line 3b, provide an explanation in Schedule O
If "No," provide an explanation in Schedule O
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
60
0
X
X
XX
X
X
For each "Yes" response to lines 2 through 7b below, and for a "No"response to line 8a, 8b, or 10b below, describe the circumstances, processes, or changes in Schedule O. See instructions.
If “Yes,” provide the names and addresses in Schedule O(This Section B requests information about policies not required by the Internal Revenue Code.)
If “No,” go to line 13
If “Yes,”describe in Schedule O how this was done
(explain in Schedule O)
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
X
8
8
X
XXXX
X
X
XX
X
X
X
XX
XXX
XX
X
OK
X X
ROBERT SELLERS 1401 N LINCOLN BLVD STE 200OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73104 918-602-1667
employeeHighest compensated
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
CHARLES DANIELS
PRESIDENT2.000.00 X X 0 0 0
BRANDON DUTCHER
VICE-PRESIDENT2.000.00 X X 0 0 0
MARK STEPHEN
SECRETARY/TREASURER2.000.00 X X 0 0 0
MICHAEL CARNUCCIO
DIRECTOR1.000.00 X 0 0 0
TODD KOLCZUN
DIRECTOR1.000.00 X 0 0 0
BRITTONI LANTZ
DIRECTOR1.000.00 X 0 0 0
MICHAEL LAPOLLA
DIRECTOR1.000.00 X 0 0 0
T.W. SHANNON
DIRECTOR1.000.00 X 0 0 0
ROBERT SELLERS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR30.000.00 X 16,500 0 0
(continued)
If “Yes,” complete Schedule J for such individual
If “Yes,” complete Schedule J for suchindividual
If “Yes,” complete Schedule J for such person
(A)Name and business address Description of services
(B) (C)Compensation
employeeHighest compensated
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
16,500
16,500
0
X
X
X
0
Government grants (contributions)All other contributions, gifts, grants,and similar amounts not included above
Noncash contributions included in lines 1a-1f:
Prog
ram
Ser
vice R
even
ue
Less: rental exps.Rental inc. or (loss)
Gross amount fromsales of assetsother than inventoryLess: cost or otherbasis & sales exps.
Gross income from fundraising events(not includingof contributions reported on line 1c).See Part IV, line 18
Gross income from gaming activities.See Part IV, line 19
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
3,045,836
3,045,836
ADMINISTRATIVE FEE REVENUE 338,426 338,426
338,426
-373 -373
3,383,889 338,426 0 -373
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations must complete all columns. All other organizations must complete column (A).
Do not include amounts reported on lines 6b,7b, 8b, 9b, and 10b of Part VIII.
Grants and other assistance to domestic organizationsand domestic governments. See Part IV, line 21
Grants and other assistance to foreignorganizations, foreign governments, and foreignindividuals. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16
Compensation not included above, to disqualifiedpersons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) andpersons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B)
Pension plan accruals and contributions (includesection 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions)
Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17
Other. (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column
Other expenses. Itemize expenses not coveredabove (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. Ifline 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column(A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.)
Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e
fundraising solicitation. Check here if
organization reported in column (B) joint costsfrom a combined educational campaign and
following SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720)
Joint costs. Complete this line only if the
(A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O.)
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
1,063,094 1,063,094
16,500 16,500
1,000 1,000
4,330 4,330
24,292 24,292380 380250 250
2,159 2,159
2,604 2,604
MISCELLANEOUS 65 65
1,114,674 1,089,545 25,129 0
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
1,105,903 3,375,118
1,105,903 3,375,118
0 0X
139,397 412,410966,506 2,962,708
1,105,903 3,375,1181,105,903 3,375,118
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
3,383,8891,114,6742,269,2151,105,903
3,375,118
X
X
X
X
X
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)
document?listed in your governing(iv) Is the organization
Information about Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
X
Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
248,305 1,330,203 3,045,836 4,624,344
248,305 1,330,203 3,045,836 4,624,344
4,624,344
248,305 1,330,203 3,045,836 4,624,344
-373 -373
4,623,971338,426
X
exclusively
exclusivelynonexclusively
www.irs.gov/form990.
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
X 3
X
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
PAGE 1 OF 2
46-4511347
1
135,000
X
2
133,333
X
3
133,333
X
4
133,000
X
5
133,000
X
6
100,000
X
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
PAGE 2 OF 2
46-4511347
7
100,000
X
8
100,000
X
9
90,000
X
10
70,000
X
www.irs.gov/form990.
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
(continued)OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
(Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.)
(Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 13.)
(Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 15.)
(Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 25.)
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
X
(This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.)
(This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.)
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
338,052
338,052
3,045,8373,045,8373,383,889
51,580
51,580
1,063,0941,063,0941,114,674
PART X - FIN 48 FOOTNOTE
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND EVALUATES ITS UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS, IF ANY,
ON A CONTINUAL BASIS THROUGH REVIEW OF THEIR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES,
REVIEW OF THEIR REGULAR TAX FILINGS AND DISCUSSIONS WITH OUTSIDE EXPERTS.
MANAGEMENT HAS DETERMINED THAT OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND HAD NO
UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS THAT REQUIRE ADJUSTMENT TO THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
PART XI, LINE 4B - REVENUE AMOUNTS INCLUDED ON RETURN - OTHER
TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED CONTRIBUTIONS $ 3,045,837
PART XII, LINE 4B - EXPENSE AMOUNTS INCLUDED ON RETURN - OTHER
(continued)OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
GRANTS & OTHER ASSISTANCE $ 1,063,094
(c) IR
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OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
46-4511347
X
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
46-4511347
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS469
1,063,094
PART I, LINE 2 - PROCEDURES FOR MONITORING THE USE OF GRANT FUNDS
ELIGIBILITY IS REVIEWED FOR ALL APPLICANTS. A STUDENT MUST BE A LEGAL
RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, LIVE IN OKLAHOMA, AND HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY
AN ACCREDITED OKLAHOMA PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR. A STUDENT MUST
MEET ONE OF THE FOLLOWING THREE CRITERIA: LIVE IN A FAMILY WITHIN THE
ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME GUILDLINES; OR ATTEND, OR LIVE IN THE ATTENDANCE
ZONE, OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL DESIGNATED AS "IN NEED OF IMPROVEMENT" BY THE
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION OR; ATTEND AN OKLAHOMA PUBLIC SCHOOL WITH AN
INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM.
at www.irs.gov/form990
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION
THE OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND IS A SCHOLARSHIP GRANTING ORGANIZATION
THAT PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIPS TO OKLAHOMA K-12 STUDENTS TO ATTEND ACCREDITED
PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN OUR STATE. ONCE A STUDENT HAS RECEIVED A SCHOLARSHIP,
THAT STUDENT AND HIS OR HER SIBLINGS REMAIN ELIGIBLE UNTIL HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATION OR AGE 21, WHICHEVER IS LATER.
FORM 990, PART VI, LINE 11B - ORGANIZATION'S PROCESS TO REVIEW FORM 990
THE TAX RETURN WAS FORWARDED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ALL BOARD MEMBERS
FOR THEIR REVIEW BEFORE THE RETURN WAS E-FILED.
FORM 990, PART VI, LINE 12C - ENFORCEMENT OF CONFLICTS POLICY
IN CONNECTION WITH ANY ACTUAL OR POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST, AN
INTERESTED PERSON MUST DISCLOSE THE EXISTENCE OF THE FINANCIAL INTEREST AND
BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCLOSE ALL MATERIAL FACTS TO THE DIRECTORS
AND MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES WITH BOARD DELEGATE POWERS CONSIDERING THE
PROPOSED TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT. AFTER DISCLOSURE OF THE FINANCIAL
INTEREST AND ALL MATERIAL FACTS, AND AFTER ANY DISCUSSION WITH THE
INTERESTED PERSON, HE/SHE SHALL LEAVE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR COMMITTEE
MEETING WHILE THE DETERMINATION OF A CONFLICT OF INTEREST IS DISCUSSED AND
VOTED UPON. THE REMAINING BOARD OR COMMITTEE MEMBERS SHALL DECIDE IF A
CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS.
FORM 990, PART VI, LINE 19 - GOVERNING DOCUMENTS DISCLOSURE EXPLANATION
ALL ORGANIZING DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO BE VIEWED BY THE PUBLIC GIVEN
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND 46-4511347
SUFFICIENT NOTICE.
PAGE 1 OF 1
INTEREST / DIVIDEND INCOME$ 890 18
TOTAL $ 890
TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED CONTRIBUTIONS
$ 1,918,170
THE RIVERSIDE GROUP INC
CASH CONTRIBUTION
135,000
GAFP, INC
CASH CONTRIBUTION
133,333
BC & GS, LLC
CASH CONTRIBUTION
133,333
QUAIL CREEK BANK
CASH CONTRIBUTION
133,000
HASKELL LEMON CONSTRUCTION CO
CASH CONTRIBUTION
133,000
STRESSCON, INC
CASH CONTRIBUTION
100,000
WYMER BROWNLEE
CASH CONTRIBUTION
100,000
JASCO PRODUCTS COMPANY LLC
CASH CONTRIBUTION
100,000
FUGITT INVESTMENTS, LLC
CASH CONTRIBUTION
90,000
NEUROSURGICAL SPECIALISTS OF TULSA
CASH CONTRIBUTION
70,000
TOTAL
$ 3,045,836
INTEREST / DIVIDEND INCOME
$ 890
LOSS ON SALE OF INVESTMENTS
-1,263
TOTAL
$ -373
ADMINISTRATIVE FEE REVENUE
$ 338,426
TOTAL
$ 338,426
Enclosure4
FAMILYENDORSEMENTSScholarshipRecipientFamilies
“Thisscholarshipallowsmydaughter,Hope,toreceivetheeducationIbelieveonlyHappyHandsEducationCentercanprovideher.ThescholarshipreducesthefinancialstressmyhusbandandIfaceasparentsofaspecialneedschild.”–ValarieCannon,Tulsa
“TheOpportunityScholarshipfundallowedmysontohaveanopportunitytocompletehishighschooleducationinanencouragingandsupportiveenvironment,Ifitwasn'tforthescholarshiphemaynothavehadthatopportunity.HegraduatedfromMissionAcademythispastMayandislookingforwardtohisfuture.”–MichelleSamoska,OklahomaCity
“Asyoucanimagine,itisveryexpensivetohavefourkidsinaprivateschool.Weliveaverymodestlife,or“nofrills”aswecallit.Wedonottakeexpensivevacations,liveinahugehouse,drivenewcars,orevenhavecable.Weareverycarefulwithourfinancesandstrivetobegoodstewards.Eveninourcarefulbudgeting,thetuitionfor(privateschool)isstilloutofreachforus.Itisjustnotpossible,inthisseasonoflife,withoutthescholarshipprogram.”–TheMcGeefamily,OklahomaCity
“Whenitcametimetoenrollforthe2016-17schoolyear,webegansearchingforalternativestoprivateschool.Ourincomehaddecreaseddramaticallythisyearduetothedownturnintheoilindustry.WeknewthatwewantedourchildrentocontinuetheirChristianeducation,butwedidn’thavethemeanstocontinuetuitionpayments.TheOSFscholarshipmetourneedandwewillbeabletocontinueourchild’sChristianeducation,andweareverygrateful.”–JaredJewell,MooreOK
“Thisscholarshipmakesitpossibleformydaughters(10th&12thgrades)tocontinuetheireducationatChristianHeritageAcademy.Thisschoolhasmadeahugeimpactonthelivesofmydaughters.Theteachershavetakenaninterestinmydaughters’lives,whichhasbeencrucialtothemoverthispastyear,withtheirdadhavingpassedawayearlylastyear.”–DeannaFisher,OklahomaCity
“Webelievethatthescholarshipamountof$2,400istheamounttheLordprovidedandisaconfirmationofHisprovisionforourfamily’sneed.Thisscholarshiphelpsmakethebalanceoftuitionmoremanageable.–AusmusFamily,DelCity
“Iamasinglemom,ateacher,andthisyearIhavebeenagraduatestudent,workingonmymastersinEducationalLeadership.(Myson)wasawayfromyourschoolforayear,andwasabletograduatelastyear,thankstothescholarshipprogram.(Mydaughter)wasoutfortwoyears.Shewasbulliedatpublicschoolandalsohadstarteddownthewrongpath.ImadeadecisiontodowhatIhadtodotomakesurethatshewasabletoattend(yourschool).WithherfatherandIbeingdivorced,(yourschool)helpedtostabilizemychildrenduringanextremelyhardcircumstance.”–Anonymous,Norman
Enclosure5
MEDIAEDITORIALSUPPORT
Scholarshiptaxcreditprovidingvaluetostudents,OklahomastatefinancesTheOklahomanEditorialBoard,November10,2017
Havingfacedmultipleyearsofbudgetshortfalls,lawmakersneedtomaximizeeverydollaravailable.ArecentreportshowstheOklahomaEqualOpportunityEducationScholarshipActhasdonejustthat.It'sataxbreakthatallowslower-incomestudentstoattendprivateschools,andhaseffectivelyincreasedavailablepublicschooldollars.Enactedin2011,theactprovidesstateincometaxcreditstothosewhodonatetoscholarshipfundsthathelpmostlylow-incomestudentsattendprivateschools.AnewreportbyJacobDearmon,directoroftheCenterforDataAnalyticsattheMeindersSchoolofBusinessatOklahomaCityUniversity,andRussellEvans,executivedirectorofOCU'sStevenC.AgeeEconomicResearchandPolicyInstitute,analyzestheprogram'sfinancialimpactonstateresources.
Undertheprogram,scholarshipdonorsreceiveataxcreditequalto50percentofone-timedonationsand75percentformulti-yeardonations.Thecreditsarecappedat$100,000forqualifiedbusinessdonors,$2,000fortaxpayersfilingajointtaxreturn,and$1,000forindividualtaxfilers.Theprogramhasa$5millionannualcaponcreditsthatcanbeissued.
ThetaxcreditscholarshipsmustgotostudentswhoareeithermembersofanOklahomahouseholdwithannualincomebelow300percentofthefree-and-reduced-luncheligibilityguidelines,liveintheattendancezoneofaschooldesignatedas"inneedofimprovement"bythestateDepartmentofEducation,orhavebeenidentifiedashavingalearningdisability.
Theprogramfunded396studentscholarshipsinthe2013-2014schoolyearandhasgrownto1,459scholarshipsinthe2016-2017schoolyearatanaverageawardof$1,012each.
DearmonandEvanscomparedtheamountofforegonetaxrevenuewithmoneythestatewouldhaveotherwisespenteducatingscholarshiprecipients.Theiranalysisassumed75percentofthemostlylow-incomescholarshiprecipientswouldhaveotherwiseattendedapublicschoolifnotfortheprogram,aconservativeassumptionbasedonanalysesconductedinotherstates.
Basedonpublicdata,theypegtotalper-pupilspendinginpublicschoolsat$8,093perstudentfromallfundingsources(federal,stateandlocal)andestimate48percent,or$3,885perpupil,comesspecificallyfromstatesources.
In2016,thestateprovided$3.4millioninscholarshiptaxcredits.Yethad75percentofscholarshiprecipientsattendedpublicschools,thestatewouldhavespent$4.2millioneducatingthosestudents.That'sanetgainof$824,487forthepublic-schoolsystem.
Onceyouaccountforspendingfromallsources,publicschoolswouldhavespentmorethan$8.8millioneducating75percentofscholarshiprecipients.Thatmeansthetaxcreditprogramhasfreedupmorethan$5.4millionnetinthepublic-schoolsystem.
ThetaxcreditprogramhasallowedsomeofOklahoma'sneediestchildrentoleavebadschoolsandattendprivateschools.Thisaloneisavictory.Icingonthecakeisthattheprogramincreasesavailablefundsinpublicschools,anditshowswhylawmakersshouldnotonlyincreasethesizeofthescholarshiptaxcreditprogram,butenactadditionalschoolchoicemeasures.