Open Enrollment Bill

According to the Springfield News-Leader, a recent open enrollment bill is being debated in the House. With all the controversy between school choice, vouchers and scholarship tax credits, this bill seems like a great compromise. It would actually allow for parents, with the school boards, to decide if they want to right to choose. As a parent, I would like some decision making power in the way our state delivers education. I would also like the right to choose where my child attends school.

Part of the article is seen below. Notice the line "I'm not claiming this is going to solve all the problems in the schools," said Schoeller, a Republican from Willard. "But it would be an option for parents who feel their children are not getting the education they need."
Enough said. We need to start somewhere to help all the parents who are trapped in watching their children attend failing schools. How can those kids have a fighting chance if their school is failing? How can we sit by and hope someday the school will just fix itself without granting them a chance to get out?!

School transfer bill sparks controversy

Critics argue bill fails to solve issues.

Gregory Trotter • News-Leader • April 2, 2009

A bill allowing parents to send their children to public schools in other districts -- and even private schools --with state funding, stirred debate Wednesday in the House Elections Committee.

Rep. Shane Schoeller presented his open enrollment bill, House Bill 959, saying it would empower parents and provide options beyond failing school districts.

"I'm not claiming this is going to solve all the problems in the schools," said Schoeller, a Republican from Willard. "But it would be an option for parents who feel their children are not getting the education they need."

Under HB 959, school boards could elect to put open enrollment on the ballot. Voters could also petition -- with 100 signatures or 10 percent of registered voters -- to put the issue on the ballot.

If then passed by a two-thirds majority vote, parents could send their children to other districts or private schools.