School Choice is a common sense approach that gives parents the power and freedom to choose the type of education that best fits their child, regardless of their home address or income level. It gets rid of the “one size fits all” model and allows parents to send their child to a public school, public charter school, private school, or even an online school — whatever works best for their family. The concept works well in 42 other states, unfortunately Montana is one of eight remaining states without school choice, but that’s about to change. Give Today!
Some argue that spending more money on schools will decrease the dropout rate, but there has never been a single study to show that’s true. The state already spends roughly $11,000 per student per year as compared to the average private school tuition of $5,500. That’s nearly a quarter of a million dollars per classroom. In Montana, teacher salaries average $45,000 per year, so where does all that money go? On a national level, the U.S. spends more than any country in the world per student (except Switzerland), yet we continue to fall behind other countries in academic performance. Clearly, more money is not the answer.
The concept of School Choice is simple. Parents know what type of education is best for their kids, so let them choose. Today, many states have school choice programs that allow parents to choose from public and private school options. Everything from Public Charter Schools, to Education Savings Accounts, to Tax Credit Scholarships and Special Needs Scholarships, all designed to open up a wide array of options and reduce the burden on taxpayers. It’s the consummate win-win.
As every parent knows, each child is different. In education, one size does not fit all. When parents have the ability to leave if a school is not working for their child, all schools perform to a higher standard.
Opponents argue that school choice will destroy public schools; however, in states that have adopted school choice programs, public schools have been motivated to improve academic performance. Opponents also argue that School Choice robs public schools of the best kids; in reality, if children are doing well in a public school, they have no reason to leave. The truth is, in the states that have School Choice, it’s the parents of kids in danger of dropping out that take advantage of the options offered.
Last year, for the first time in Montana history, we moved a School Choice bill all the way through the legislature and placed it on Governor Bullock’s desk. He vetoed it, but with your help we will continue the effort to bring School Choice to Montana!
Our Mission is to strengthen Montana families, and we understand that marriage, life, religious freedom and education are top priorities. We are your voice as we work to affect public policy from a Judeo-Christian perspective, and we need your help.
2014 promises to be another busy year. We’re already involved in two court battles, it’s an election year, and two more cities are considering ordinances that will force Christians to hire homosexuals and transvestites. In other states, Christians are facing jail time for refusing to provide services for homosexual weddings. We can’t allow that to happen here.
Jeff Laszloffy, President/CEO
