Sorry ES, that's not the way I see a voucher system working.  Every voucher is worth the same (for students of same age and general locale).  What we call public schools now with government employees for teachers would not be the picture.  Private non- or for-profit schools with private employee teachers would compete with each other for students and students defined only by their inherent ability and demonstrated performance would compete for admission.  Yes, there might be a differentiation (as now in college) based on ability, but this is probably best for students since schools for students of different abilities could specialize in those things the students do excel in.  Race is not the issue.   I believe that the competition both between schools and students would help restore excellence in the American work force.  But don't worry, teachers unions are incredibly powerful, there is no real chance of reform.  You even buy the racism story.