In my last post I wrote about the complications involved in the legislation for school choice. Further research has led me to Senate Bill 4432 introduced by Senator Rand Paul in August 2020. It is called the ‘‘Support Children Having Open Opportunities for Learning Act of 2020’’ or the short version is SCHOOL Act of 2020. There is an identical bill in the House, H.R. 8054, that was introduced by Representative Chip Roy. An online check indicates that nothing has been done since that time. I have requested an update from Senator Paul.
But we don’t have to wait for Washington, D. C. to act. This bill is a good guide
for you to use to talk to your state and local agencies. I like the last two items, especially the last, because this is the one thing I told you previously you should be concerned about. It simply and clearly states that “Nothing in this section shall permit, allow, encourage, or authorize Federal or State control over non-public education providers.” This is what I know would have to be in whatever is passed for private schools to be comfortable accepting some sort of school choice voucher.
‘‘(d) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—
‘‘(1) FEDERALLY FUNDED SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a child eligible for assistance under the free and reduced price school lunch program established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) from receiving assistance under such program.
‘‘(2) PROHIBITION OF CONTROL OVER NON[1]18 PUBLIC EDUCATION PROVIDERS.—Nothing in this section shall permit, allow, encourage, or authorize Federal or State control over non-public education providers.’’.
A statement about this legislation on Senator Paul’s website reads,
While federal education dollars are currently sent to states and then distributed amongst public school districts, Dr. Paul’s legislation would allow federal funds for K-12 education to follow the eligible child, learning in person or remotely, to the school of their choice.
Whether in public school, private school, or homeschool, the funds can be used for a wide range of educational needs, including tuition, curriculum materials, technology, support for special education, or classes outside the home.
Examples of why you should seriously consider sending your children to private
or parochial school are abundant. One is the new “woke” videos that are flooding kindergartens. There is even a baby’s board book titled “Woke Baby” for ages 0-3. (Keep in mind the push for Pre-K for ages 3 & 4.) Until you can make the switch, check the syllabus for each class your children will be attending for the critical race theory, 1619 Project, and other inappropriate material. If you find anything that you object to, make your voice heard. Tell other parents about it.