RALEIGH - The head of the North Carolina Association of Educators says taxpayer-funded scholarships to private schools will take vital resources away from public education. The scholarships would help low-income families pay for private school tuition.

Rodney Ellis, the president of the North Carolina Association of Educators, says many families still won't be able to afford it. “Many of the families who send their students to public schools are not going to be able to afford the additional tuition rate to allow their child to be able to attend some of the private schools.”

Ellis says many private schools don't want to take public school students. “Many of the private and charter schools are selective in who they allow…into their schools. So a lot of those students may not even be invited into those schools…for whatever reason, while public schools, we welcome every student, wherever you are.”

Ellis says the scholarships don't cover enough costs for most families to afford a private education.

The House set aside ten million dollars for Opportunity Scholarships, which would help cover the cost of tuition. Supporters of the scholarships say parents should have the right to choose where their child is educated.