GUEST COLUMN: Expanding school choice in New Mexico

Recently I turned 65 and joined the ranks of those on Medicare. I was impressed with the wide array of options available to my wife and me as we chose plans and providers that would be best for our situation. I was thankful that there was not a cookie-cutter approach for all seniors when it came to their health care.

Imagine if families also had that kind of choice when it came to educating their children. Thankfully, school choice initiatives are happening across the country. Many of these choice initiatives are designed to give all families the ability to make decisions for what educational options are best for their children. While many students flourish in the public schools, many do not. Interestingly, only two presidents in the last century sent their children to the public schools of Washington, D.C. Whether that was because of their concern about the local quality of education or their need for better security, the reality is they could afford to choose a nonpublic school option. Many school choice efforts are simply efforts to allow people of all economic backgrounds to be able to access a nonpublic education if they think that would be best for their children.

Our hope is that the state of New Mexico will also support initiatives that would allow for all families to have a choice in terms of the education of their children.

This should be a bipartisan issue because it is a justice issue. Both parties should join together and help low and middle class families be able to choose a nonpublic school option if that is what is best for their child. The privilege of school choice should not be limited to those who can afford it.