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State lawmakers are scheduled to return to Raleigh next week, and Democrats say they’re concerned the session will include new funding for private school vouchers.

Last fall, the North Carolina General Assembly expanded eligibility for Opportunity Scholarships, which are state-funded vouchers to help families pay private school tuition. For the upcoming school year, any family, regardless of income, could apply to get a voucher. With that change, demand tripled, and families still on the waitlist are ramping up their call for funds.

A lower-than-expected revenue surplus could delay extra funding for a private school voucher program.

Two education reporters talk to co-host Jeff Tiberii about the past, present and future of North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarships. Then, education advocates join the conversation to share their perspectives on the pros and cons of the private school voucher program.

The North Carolina Senate has approved legislation to set aside roughly $500 million more for now for programs that provide taxpayer money to help K-12 students attend private schools.

State Senate leaders want to spend $248 million in the coming school year to ensure that private school vouchers are available to every family that applied, regardless of their income level.

About 2,300 more North Carolina families were just notified their kids will get private-school vouchers for 2024. But about 56,000 could be denied Opportunity Scholarships unless the General Assembly approves more money.

Gov. Roy Cooper released his proposal budget Wednesday as state lawmakers returned to Raleigh to begin the short session.

NC House Speaker Tim Moore says the legislature should add $300 million to the state's private school voucher program to address higher-than-expected demand for help paying tuition.

North Carolina notifies families that 13,500 students will get new Opportunity Scholarships in 2024, but roughly 40,000 make too much money under the new priority system.