The Time is Right for Universal School Choice

The founders of our state believed that only an educated and intelligent people could maintain the stability of our republican form of government.  Because of this conviction, they mandated in our constitution that the legislature shall establish and maintain a system of public schools for all children.

Today it is clear that our public education system is failing in its attempt to serve all students. Test scores languish no matter how many taxpayer dollars are funneled into the system. Despite many fantastic teachers, the system as a whole has been captured by the progressive left revolution, painfully clear whether from the influence of teachers’ unions to degenerate agendas put forth by textbook companies to ridiculous federal regulations.

The solutions may vary but clearly universal school choice should be the leading contender. This plan makes tax money follow the child rather than being locked into a single government-run system. Such a program would have two major benefits.

First, it gives immediate options to all families, especially those who do not have the time or money to explore alternative choices. Parents could enroll their children in private schools, micro schools, or any number of alternative educational opportunities. Accountability would come from the parents themselves, who are best motivated to ensure their own children’s success and wellbeing.

Second, it creates competition, which would force the public school system to improve. Rather than locking in a majority of students by default, public schools would need to improve their offerings to retain enrollment and the funding that comes with it.

We in the Idaho Freedom Caucus believe that parents are in the best position to decide what is right for their children, not elected officials, government bureaucrats, school administrators or corporate profiteers.  Our members are looking forward to getting school choice passed in the 2025 session.

The Idaho Freedom Caucus has a vision for limited government and market-based solutions that foster innovation and decentralization. We must move beyond the outdated, centralized government-run brick and mortar school system as the default or only choice for Idaho families.  The time is now to move in a new educational direction, offering flexible options that meet every family's needs, help students reach their full potential and give confidence to taxpayers that monies collected are being well spent.

We invite you to join us on this journey by offering suggestions, ideas, and support. 

In Liberty,

The Idaho Freedom Caucus