School choice groups plan march on capitol

A coalition of school choice organizations is planning to march on the state capitol later this month to promote parental choice in public education.

"State leaders should trust parents to make smart decisions about their children's educational futures," said Terry Ryan, president of the Idaho Charter School Network.

That is the key message of a historic march and celebration that will take place in Boise on Jan. 27 at noon.

The "Trust Parents" celebration is an event that will begin at the Basque History Museum, followed by a march to the Idaho Capitol steps and a rally featuring student, parent, and policymaker speakers.

More than 500 attendees are expected at the event, which will be the largest school choice event in Idaho history.

The event will spotlight the importance of providing parents with an array of education options for their children, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnets schools, private schools, online academies, and homeschooling.

The coalition planning the "Trust Parents" event includes the Idaho Charter School Network, Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families, Idaho Federation of Independent Schools, Idaho Business for Education, Idaho Digital Learning, Northwest Professional Educators, Building Hope, J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation.

"School choice is paving the way towards better and more customized educational options for Idaho's children," Ryan said in a press release. "We look forward to the day when all parents and children may avail themselves of the learning opportunities that suit them best."

Celebrated every year in January, National School Choice Week, which runs Jan. 25 through Jan. 31, shines a positive spotlight on all types of effective education options for children, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, online learning, and homeschooling.

The celebration is nonpartisan and nonpolitical.