Public Education
School Choice Comes to Colorado: A Big Win for Families
For years, Colorado families have been told that if they wanted a different education for their children, they would have to pay twice. First, through their taxes to support public schools and second through private school tuition. A new federal education tax credit scholarship program could finally help change that. In a surprising move, Governor Jared Polis has expressed support for Colorado's participation in the program, making Colorado one of the first states to embrace this opportunity. (is he missing that federal funding as a sanctuary state???)
For conservative families, Christian families, and parents who believe they should have the final say in their child's education, this could be one of the most important school choice victories in years.
According to the Invest in Education Foundation, individuals can donate to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) and receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 each year. The money donated is then used to provide scholarships for K-12 students. Families can use these scholarships for private school tuition, tutoring, educational materials, special education services, and other approved educational expenses.
The program is expected to generate billions of dollars in scholarship funding across the country and help millions of students gain access to more educational options.
For many families, education is about much more than reading, writing, and math. Parents want schools that support their values, reinforce good character, and focus on academic excellence. Many conservative families have become frustrated with what they see as increasing political and social activism in public schools. Topics involving gender identity, critical race theory, and other controversial issues have caused many parents to question whether public schools still reflect the values they want taught to their children.
Whether others agree with those concerns or not, parents should have the freedom to choose a different educational path if they believe it is best for their child. School choice gives that power back to families. Instead of being limited to a school based on where they live, parents can choose a school that aligns with their educational goals, religious beliefs, and family values.
Private, Christian, and Catholic schools have provided quality education for generations. They often emphasize faith, discipline, personal responsibility, and strong academics (the very opposite of what is being taught in many public school classrooms). Unfortunately, tuition costs have made these schools difficult for many families to afford.
This scholarship program could open the door for thousands of students to attend faith-based schools who otherwise would not have the opportunity. Catholic education leaders in Colorado have described the program as a game-changer because it could significantly increase the amount of scholarship assistance available to families. For many parents, this means they may finally be able to choose a school where faith is an important part of everyday learning.
Critics argue that expanding school choice could reduce enrollment in public schools and lead to less funding for school districts. There is no doubt that if more students leave public schools, districts could face financial challenges. However, the purpose of education should be to serve students and families, not to protect a system from competition.
If parents are choosing other options, public schools should respond by improving programs, strengthening academics, and earning families' trust. Competition encourages improvement in nearly every part of American life. Education should be no different.
Conservatives have long believed that parents should have more control over their children's education and that decisions should be made closer to home, not by large government bureaucracies.
This scholarship program supports those ideas by:
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Giving parents more educational choices.
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Expanding access to Christian and private schools.
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Helping middle-class families afford alternatives to public schools.
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Allowing students to find schools that better meet their needs.
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Using private donations to fund scholarships rather than creating another large government program.
Most importantly, it recognizes that parents have the primary responsibility for raising and educating their children.
Governor Polis's support for Colorado's participation in this program surprised many people because school choice has often been a partisan issue. His support suggests that educational freedom is becoming an issue that appeals to families across the political spectrum. Although I have not been a fan of him during his tenure in office, he has made a few decisions as of late that I am impressed with, this being one of them (I am SURE the Democrats are livid)!
For Colorado families seeking alternatives to traditional public schools, whether private, parochial, Christian, or other specialized educational options, this new scholarship program could create opportunities that were once out of reach.
At the end of the day, school choice is about trusting parents to make the best decisions for their children. That is a principle that deserves broad support.
Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 11:14
Getting involved locally:
There are many different ways that citizens can get involved in the educational process. Schools are asking for participation in many different ways. The schools along the corridor have made school board meetings readily available for the public to watch and participate in. Together, we can contribute time and attention to our young people. Below is a list of opportunities:
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
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Bennett * Mrs. Robin Purdy
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Strasburg * Mr. Dan Hoff
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Byers * Mr. Tom Turrell
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Deer Trail * Mr. BJ Buchmann