By Ty Babinski
A Perspectives Column for Dairyland Sentinel
As we celebrate School Choice Week, I think it’s important to recognize the significance of educational options available to all parents in Wisconsin, the birthplace of School Choice. The freedom to choose where our children learn isn’t just a policy; it’s a recognition by policy makers that they trust parents.
School Choice as commonly appreciated involves private schools, but in Wisconsin it’s much more broad. While the Milwaukee Choice program began in 1990, since 1998, Wisconsin’s Open Enrollment law has been transformative, allowing parents to select schools that best fit their children’s unique needs and aspirations. This isn’t about where you live but about ensuring every student has access to an education tailored to their potential.
We worked to expand that promise to public online charter schools, often called virtual schools. Over the years, our parent advocates have organized and mobilized and helped beat back misguided lawsuits by the state teacher’s union and onerous legislation to create an environment where dozens of virtual schools now educate thousands of Wisconsin students every year.
I want to extend my gratitude to both Republican and Democratic policymakers who have demonstrated bipartisan support for school choice. Figures like former Governors Tommy Thompson and Scott Walker, and former Senator John Lehman, Luther Olsen, Leah Vukmir, Alberta Darling and former State Representatives like Polly Williams and Brett Davis and others have shown that when it comes to our children’s education, politics can take a backseat in favor of progress. Their commitment to keeping educational options viable has been instrumental.
We also owe a significant thanks to the parent advocates, including many in our Coalition, who tirelessly champion the rights of families to make educational decisions. These advocates have been pivotal in pushing for and maintaining choice in education and a system where the diversity of student needs is acknowledged and met.
School choice in Wisconsin isn’t merely about picking a school; it’s about crafting an educational journey that aligns with each student’s dreams and capabilities. Whether it’s through virtual, other charter, private, or traditional public schools, we have a range of options. These options are a badge of honor for Wisconsin and reflect our state’s commitment to educational innovation and the best interest of Wisconsin’s young learners.
As we celebrate School Choice Week, we remain vigilant. Threats are always near. But let’s not only acknowledge this freedom but also encourage every parent to understand their options and explore these opportunities. When parents have choices, students have opportunities. And when students have opportunities they thrive.
Join us in recognizing this week not just as a celebration but as a reaffirmation of our commitment to educational excellence. Let’s honor the educators, lawmakers, and families who believe in the power of choice. Here’s to a future where every child in Wisconsin can continue to find their path to success through the educational option of their family’s choosing.
Happy School Choice Week!
Ty Babinski lives in West Salem and is president of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families, a Wisconsin based, all-volunteer, dues-free organization of parents, not affiliated with any particular school or national organization. The WCVSF has been independently advocating for online learners in Wisconsin for twenty years.
All perspectives columns reflect the views of the authors themselves as expressed by themselves, and do not indicate an endorsement by DairylandSentinel, our sponsors, or supporters.
