This Independence Day, Free Every Child from Invisible Lines
July 4, 2025
Two hundred forty-nine years ago, our nation was founded on a revolutionary principle: every individual has the inherent dignity to shape their own destiny. As we celebrate America’s birth in liberty this Independence Day, we must confront a persistent injustice: too many futures are bound by ZIP code. As a young girl, my dreams outgrew the boundaries of my neighborhood school, dictated solely by my address. Crossing a district line to access an advanced program was truly a lifeline to opportunity. That single choice unlocked doors to a future I could only imagine. Today, as a mother of four, an…
Shaping Tomorrow: Policy Paths for a Choice-Driven System
May 7, 2025
Arizona’s progress toward a boundary-free education system illuminates three essential policy considerations for lawmakers aiming to replicate its success. First, Don’t Leave Your Backpack! Prioritize long-term equity over short-term expediency. Second, Crawl, Walk, then Run! Lay out a blueprint and capitalize on incremental reforms. Finally, Cheer on The Heroes! Acknowledge the importance of our public schools andreinforce gains through advocacy. These principles, drawn from 30 years of experience, offer a strategic approach to expanding student choice in public schools. Don’t Leave Your Backpack! There are few slogans easier to parrot and more difficult to implement than backpack funding for students.…
No More Lines: Empower Missouri Families
March 31, 2025
Every Missouri child deserves a fair shot. Currently, outdated school district lines limit a family's ability to choose the best public school for their child. These lines don’t reflect Missouri values —opportunity, fairness, and freedom for families to make decisions that work best for them. It’s time to break down these barriers. What’s the issue? Many students are assigned to a school based solely on their address, even if another public school nearby would be a better fit. These boundary lines often limit access, especially for working families and rural communities. What’s the solution? Open enrollment: a simple, common-sense policy that empowers families to enroll their…
