We think it’s the truth
(until we find out it’s not)
October 17, 2024 | Sharon Sedlar

In speaking with people out and about, there are two typical comments made about “school choice.” Typically, the first comment is that those in support of school choice are only looking to “pay for their private schools.” When that argument fails, they then resort to the claim that choice will “defund district schools.”
Anyone making those arguments is doing so because they are uneducated on the topic and are simply repeating what they’re being told and has been represented to them as complete and total truth. But it’s not.
Here are just a few of many points to be made:
1 – School choice includes district schools. They are a critical (and most popular) part of education for our children. District schools and their success, varies based on many factors. Satisfaction is also varied, as students have different needs. What works for a student in one district may not for another. And based on the need for out of district referrals (for those that allow it), districts agree.
2 – Anyone ever heard of district magnet schools? They are public district schools that have enrollment requirements and are designed to cater to a particular interest or theme. Niche.com lists 74 of them, specializing in STEM, music, arts, international affairs, college readiness, and more. They are schools of choice within the district specific system.
And add to that more than 180 public charter schools!
3 – What about school choice in regard to those who homeschool? They receive no funding at all – families pay out of pocket for expenses, classes, curriculum (although the district is required to share some materials if requested). That’s a form of “school choice” in which the district receives funding for a student who likely receives no district services.
4 – District schools aren’t going anywhere – nor should they! Education is provided in the Constitution for our Commonwealth: There is no reason to fear educational alternatives.
§ 14. Public school system.
The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth.
(May 16, 1967, P.L.1037, J.R.3)
5 – When public charter schools are paid “tuition,” the school district deducts funding as appropriate per the law via the PDE-363 form. These deductions ensure that student-centered funding is following the child to the public school of choice. The amount of per student funding in district schools actually increases when students utilize other education programs. (See Marty Leukin’s testimony to the PA GOP Policy Committee from 2023 pgs 4-6)
6 – Any school choice advocate truly centered on the children, and respectful of parent authority, would agree that district schools (and other education models – but that’s a discussion for another day) deserve funding reflective of the needs of their students.
School choice serves those students who need “different,” or whose parents have chosen an alternate option for their own family-based reasons. It is no different than those families who choose to remain in a district environment – because they feel it is the best option for their child.
That’s where the true school choice focus lies. 👇👇👇👇👇
