Put Kids First, Put North Dakota First
UPDATE: Gov. Burgum vetoed House Bill No. 1532 on April 21, saying that it was “not the comprehensive solution we need.”
For decades, K-12 education has been a source of pride for North Dakotans. But as the world gets smaller and other states (and countries) expand educational offerings to their students, we are in jeopardy of being left behind. For example, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds recently signed their state’s first school choice bill.
School choice will preserve North Dakota’s reputation for great schools while offering every student an opportunity to succeed, no matter their learning style, status or zip code.
House Bill No. 1532 reimburses participating North Dakota families up to 30% of tuition at an eligible K-12 nonpublic school. For some families, that might mean the difference between success and failure!
Students deserve a school that fits their needs and aligns with their ethics, beliefs and values.
Protectors of the status quo in education like the teachers’ union are afraid of school choice because it’s focused on kids, not adults.
Put Kids First. Put North Dakota First. Urge Gov. Burgum to pass House Bill No. 1532!
Learn more!
April 18 — Gov. Burgum included school choice in his top priorities, encourage him to follow through
Based on his State of the State address in January, the governor should follow through with his support of school choice and sign HB 1532 into law.
April 18 — North Dakota school choice bill is not about religion
HB 1532 gives families of all socioeconomic backgrounds the chance to choose a nonpublic school. Nothing more.
April 13 — North Dakota lawmakers pass school choice, send to Governor’s desk
After much debate and a few changes, North Dakota’s first school choice bill has passed both the House and Senate and gone on to Gov. Doug Burgum’s desk for signing.
March 16 — U.S. Supreme Court has held that parental rights are a fundamental right, let’s put it in black and white in state code
North Dakota should ensure that parents, not government officials, make decisions for their children.
Feb. 23 — The sky won’t fall if North Dakota prioritizes students over systems
As legislators consider an educational reimbursement program for families (HB 1532), the Chicken Littles are out in full force to fearmonger.
Feb. 8 — Making the case for school choice
No, Mr. Omdahl, school choice programs do not “divert money away from public schools” or violate the constitution.
Jan. 26 — National School Choice Week: Education freedom and how North Dakota can do more
Right now, students have no charter schools, no magnet schools, no private school choice program, and only inter-district public school choice via open enrollment.
Dec. 19 — Another study on how a school choice program hasn’t hurt traditional school districts
Critics are quick to argue that educational freedom harms traditional school districts — but that’s simply not the case.