Grandma of 28 refutes anti-school-choice arguments from teachers’ union-sponsored group

An Idaho grandmother of 28 easily saw through the rhetoric of an anti-school-choice group that appears more concerned about preserving school systems than meeting students’ needs

Nan Hancock attended a recent meeting in Idaho Falls with a group called “SOS,” or Save Our Schools, which is sponsored by left-leaning Reclaim Idaho and the Idaho Education Association, the state’s largest teachers’ union.

The group is fighting the state’s recently approved school choice program, urging voters to tell lawmakers not to expand it to more families.

While SOS promotes its efforts as preserving public education, Hancock, a Republican, points out some holes in their arguments.

Writing in the Post Register, she said the group would be better called “Save Our System,” because “it’s clear that this initiative may be more about preserving institutional power than improving educational outcomes for students.”

The SOS event’s opening speaker described the school choice program as a “voucher,” though it is actually a tax credit-funded scholarship. That means individuals designate part of the taxes they would pay the state to organizations that provide school choice scholarships to families.

“The use of emotionally charged terminology appears designed to stoke fear and opposition, rather than to inform,” Hancock wrote.

Critics claim school choice will “destroy public schools,” but Hancock argues “many of the challenges facing public schools today are self-inflicted.

“Federal overreach, along with the growing influence of politically charged agendas such as diversity, equity and inclusion programs and controversial policies around gender identity, has alienated many parents and students. By accepting federal funding, local schools have surrendered much of their autonomy, resulting in mandates that don’t always reflect community values. …

“True educational reform must prioritize students – not bureaucracies.”

A real reform effort, she argues, would call itself “Save Our Students” and help education adapt “to the diverse needs of families and children.”

Many parents and policymakers are finding school choice a better way to help students who are struggling or not being served by their local public school. Eighteen states now offer universal school choice, and nationwide participation topped 1.3 million in the last school year, according to EdChoice.

The federal budget bill signed by President Donald Trump on July 4 includes a national tax credit school choice program set to take effect in 2027.

As school choice expands, Hancock encourages an honest dialogue on how best to serve students.

“Parents, taxpayers and educators alike should examine what’s really at stake: educational freedom, local control and the right of families to choose what’s best for their children,” she said.

“If a tax credit allows parents to seek a better fit for their children’s education – whether that be private, charter or homeschooling – it should be discussed on its merits, not demonized through misleading terminology.”