As Voters Head To Polls, Education Will Be Front And Center
Here is a microcosm of the issues in four key states representative of what’s at the forefront of parents’ minds as they head to the polls today:
“Tomorrow’s election will not be a bellwether for one issue or the other, but the outcomes will signal whether parents’ voices can transcend well-oiled and financed special interest groups protecting their turf,” said CER Founder & CEO Jeanne Allen.
Please contact us via [email protected] for additional commentary from our team, or the many parents, educators and education entrepreneurs the CER and Yass Prize communities represent.
- Education Choice in Pennsylvania – While the legislature is not on the ballot, key school board races in Pennsylvania and a Supreme Court Justice opening could benefit the effort to create – and eventually defend – the Lifeline Scholarships Program which would provide substantial education funds of $5,000-$10,000 to poor students across the Commonwealth. Watch for Judge Carolyn Carluccio to win the open seat and pro-education freedom candidates to prevail in most school board races.
- Parents Rights in Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin benefited from parental discontent in education in his election and has continued to support the right of parents to make fundamental decisions in their children’s education. If his party wins the votes necessary to take the majority in both chambers, there is potential for this state to provide parents with Education Savings Accounts.
- Safety and Concern over the Status Quo in Kentucky – Governor Andy Beshear is up for re-election and parental concerns over safety and dissatisfaction with unresponsive school districts may contribute to an upset win for Attorney General Daniel Cameron who has taken a balanced approach to helping parents have better education opportunities inside and outside of the traditional system.
- Declining Education in New Jersey – Dramatic pre-pandemic test score declines, increased absenteeism and a rise in student behavior problems may impact contentious school board races and legislative outcomes in the Garden State to see more conservative wins that protect parental rights and increased choices for parents.
“Tomorrow’s election will not be a bellwether for one issue or the other, but the outcomes will signal whether parents’ voices can transcend well-oiled and financed special interest groups protecting their turf,” said CER Founder & CEO Jeanne Allen.
Please contact us via [email protected] for additional commentary from our team, or the many parents, educators and education entrepreneurs the CER and Yass Prize communities represent.
Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform aims to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans — particularly our youth — ensuring that conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility throughout U.S. education.
The $1 million Yass Prize, powered by the Center for Education Reform in partnership with Forbes, is a rapidly growing effort to find, reward, celebrate and expand best-in-class education organizations for every sector. In conjunction with the $1 million Yass Prize, the STOP Awards initiative will distribute nearly $20 million in 2023. Learn more at YassPrize.org and vote on the new Parents Choice Award, created to give parents all over the country an opportunity to choose their favorite education innovator of the year. The Yass Prize Semifinalists with the most votes will be granted $100,000, in addition to their $200,000 award, to help transform education for more students.
The $1 million Yass Prize, powered by the Center for Education Reform in partnership with Forbes, is a rapidly growing effort to find, reward, celebrate and expand best-in-class education organizations for every sector. In conjunction with the $1 million Yass Prize, the STOP Awards initiative will distribute nearly $20 million in 2023. Learn more at YassPrize.org and vote on the new Parents Choice Award, created to give parents all over the country an opportunity to choose their favorite education innovator of the year. The Yass Prize Semifinalists with the most votes will be granted $100,000, in addition to their $200,000 award, to help transform education for more students.
