A Political Win-Win for the Moment
Less than 50 days out days out from the Presidential election, along with many gubernatorial and state legislative races, campaigns are carefully considering which issues will turn out the electorate for their candidates. While many focus on the economy, healthcare, or immigration, there is an issue that has broad, bipartisan support: eliminating archaic school zones. This issue is at the precipice of moving in state legislatures around the country and has the potential to transform public education for millions of families by ensuring every kid can access the best school for their needs, no matter where they live.
Unlike other public goods – public hospitals, public parks, or public libraries – state laws restrict access to public schools based on where a family can afford to live. Residential assignment of schools does not take into account a child’s unique, individual needs. For moms sitting around public pools this past summer, as their kids enjoyed the cool water and sunshine beating down, it is unimaginable that they could be barred from that same pool based on their address if it was set up just like the public school system.
Every child deserves equal access to the public education that works for them and their family. This could mean allowing a high schooler to finish their education at the same school, even after their family moves across town. Perhaps an elementary school is closer to mom’s work and an easier commute, or a new middle school might mean a child gets to leave behind a complicated bullying situation. Whether academic or personal, there are many valid reasons why a family might want to access a different public school for their children.
But should the government, or more specifically, administrative staff who have never met my child or know his name, get to decide? Mothers like me think about our children constantly and want to get them every resource possible. Did I make the right choices for his care? Is he happy? Did he get enough nutritious food today? What learning experiences should I sign him up for?
In 2024, as parents, we deserve the right to unlock the education that is best for our children. The answer is No More Lines.
And crucial to the calculus for key campaign staff and advisors to state legislators – most Democrats, Independents and Republicans support ending residential school assignment. In fact, 88% of Democrats surveyed in a yes. every kid. foundation. poll support giving every child the ability to attend the public school in their state that best meets their needs; 83% of Republicans share this view. More so than many other issues that divide this country, expanding access to public schools is an issue for candidates looking to win and firm up general election support and beyond if fortunate enough to serve in office.
We invite state legislators and leaders across America to join the up-and-coming movement for achieving true equal access in public education.
