Huff's school choice measure earns Education Committee approval
The Assembly Education Committee voted to approve Senate Bill 680, a measure to extend the School District of Choice program, allowing parents to transfer their children to school districts outside of their own. Senator Bob Huff (R - Diamond Bar) and Senator Gloria Romero (D - East Los Angeles) have jointly authored the bill.
"For 16 years, the District of Choice program has opened new doors to countless students across the state and fostered excellence in our schools," said Senator Huff addressing the committee. "Whether it is for academic opportunities, safety concerns or even proximity to a school, District of Choice empowers parents to make the best decision for their children rather than school administrators."
The program currently serves students all across the state, however those children are in jeopardy of being forced out of their schools and returning to their resident school districts if SB 680 is not ultimately approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor by July 1st, 2009.
"We demand choice in everything we do, from buying a car to our doctor to the clothes we wear, said Huff. "When it comes to something like a quality public education, denying parents that kind of choice would be a moral failure."
Current law also limits the number of schools who may participate in the District of Choice program. SB 680 will eliminate that restriction and allow any school district in the state to participate.
SB 680 now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Leave a comment