Support Educational Freedom in Kansas

I am writing to express my strong support for Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) in Kansas. I believe that parents and students—not bureaucrats—should be the primary decision-makers in education. ESAs empower families to choose the best educational path for their children, leading to better outcomes and greater success.

Why ESAs Matter:

Boost Academic Performance: Research shows that students who participate in school choice programs like ESAs experience significant improvements in test scores—equivalent to about 30 additional days of learning in reading and math.

Enhance Public Schools: Studies indicate that 90% of school choice programs encourage public schools to improve. For example, a recent study in Florida found that expanding educational choice programs not only improved math and reading scores but also reduced absenteeism and suspensions in public schools.

Kansas Parents Demand Choices: A national poll reveals that two-thirds of parents believe that education freedom policies will enhance education. In Kansas, 63% of parents support ESAs as a means to strengthen educational opportunities.

Rural Schools Benefit: Contrary to popular belief, rural schools thrive under school choice programs. In states like Florida and Arizona, the number of school districts has grown since implementing these programs, with 70% of rural students in Florida participating.

Economic Benefits: Education is key to economic prosperity. Studies show that ESA and voucher programs save money and boost overall income. For instance, Tennessee’s ESA program could increase personal income by up to $1 billion by 2038.

By supporting ESAs, you can help ensure that all children in Kansas have access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed. I urge you to stand up for Kansas students and families by advocating for ESAs and giving them the freedom to choose the best education for their children.

 I look forward to seeing your support for educational freedom in our state.