Billy talks up school choice
Billy Harper is pushing for school choice.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Billy Harper today renewed his support of school choice for parents and students and pointed to a new survey that shows a strong majority of Kentuckians support school choice programs when informed of the facts about them.
The statewide survey, conducted by the Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions, an independent research group based in Bowling Green, was conducted March 11 to April 1 and included a random sample of 493 Kentuckians. Survey participants were questioned about their knowledge of and support for open enrollment, scholarship tax credits, vouchers and charter schools.
According to the survey, nearly 80 percent of respondents agreed that Kentucky parents should have more choice in determining where their children attend school. Also, when informed of the facts about open enrollment for public schools, more than 72 percent of survey participants said that system would be good for Kentucky education.
“I believe Kentucky parents finally deserve a real say in where their children attend school,” said Harper. “It’s not about labeling schools as good or bad. It’s about competition and specialization and holding schools and teachers accountable.”
For more information about the survey click here: www.bipps.org/pubs/2007/survey.pdf
Harper, a member of the McCracken County school board, pointed out that open enrollment agreements already exist among a number of school districts, including some in the Paducah area. Harper said one of his first priorities as governor will be to establish open enrollment in every Kentucky school district. Harper also said that he will consider vouchers and charter schools as avenues for advancing student achievement.
“Kentucky students must be given the best opportunities to learn at the very highest levels,” Harper said. “Whether that means attending a school with an advanced drama department, a strong vocational program or one that offers special needs courses, parents should determine which learning environment is best for their child and that child’s future.”
