Christine Cooke Fairbanks

Central to education choice within the public system is clear information that allows parents to make comparisons. Transparency in all forms is helpful.

As kids brought school home using remote learning during the pandemic, parent awareness and scrutiny increased. Parents on both sides of the aisle are concerned about bias in schools.

Increasing funds to the new program is the next key commitment in bringing education choice to families in the state. Arizona and Arkansas can provide some lessons from their experiences.

True choice in education includes all types of options, like career and technical education and many forms of online learning.

Home schooling is growing in Utah and is the fastest-growing form of education in the country.

Former Idaho state Sen. Steven Thayn believes in education choice policies that also alleviate concerns about public school funding. He thinks there is a future for microschool partnerships with public school districts.

With new public funds, demand for new education options will likely keep rising, and the supply of private options will probably flourish, too.

This year’s enrollment data should prompt discussion about a long-term plan for education.