By Editorial Board | Editorial, Rocky Mountain Voice
Ballot language: Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado Constitution establishing the right to school choice for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, and, in connection therewith, declaring that school choice includes neighborhood, charter, and private schools; home schooling; open enrollment options; and future innovations in education?
How it reached the ballot: Citizen signature petition, designated agents Michael Fields and Suzanne Taheri.
Background: This measure would enshrine school choice as a “right” in the Colorado Constitution. The measure would add the following language to Section 18: “The people of the state of Colorado hereby find and declare that all children have the right to equal opportunity to access a quality education; that parents have the right to direct the education of their children; and that school choice includes neighborhood, charter, private and home schools, open-enrollment options, and future innovations in education.” The amendment to the Colorado Constitution requires 55% support to pass.
Our take: To parents wishing to wrestle power in any form back away from the “Educational Industrial Complex”, this is your amendment. Enough said. Vote yes. To others, education is best when more opportunities, not fewer, are available. This measure would establish school choice as a right. We support an all-of-the-above model approach to education, where parents and their children can find a best fit. Public schools often can be a one-size-fits-all approach. Before we spike the football in celebration, allow us to note the amendment does nothing to expand school choice options immediately. That is, it will be up to the legislature, and perhaps some courts. Passage does give a tool and the possibility for more school choice opportunity in the future. If you need one reason to support the measure, it might force the legislature to navigate the prohibition of public funds for private education, and adopt a model where educational tax dollars follow the child. Support the measure and tell the legislature your family’s liberties don’t end at the public schoolhouse door.
Our guidance: Yes.