Dear Parents,

Every child deserves a quality education, yet millions are trapped in underperforming schools simply because of their zip code. Raising children is the most important responsibility we have, and ensuring they receive the best education is paramount to their success.

The Flaws in Our Current System

Despite California's average public school funding of over $23,000 per student, many classrooms are overcrowded, housing 33 or more students ($700,000 per classroom) in dilapidated portable buildings. This excessive crowding hinders individualized attention and hampers student achievement. Compounding these issues, out-of-control student behavior often disrupts the learning environment, leaving teachers overwhelmed and reducing instructional time for all students. Furthermore, teacher dissatisfaction and high turnover rates reflect a system unable to retain quality educators, largely due to a lack of accountability and restrictive policies that make it nearly impossible to dismiss underperforming teachers—even those with serious infractions, such as drinking on the job.

In this environment, neither students nor teachers are held accountable for meeting grade-level standards, resulting in poor outcomes across the board. With two-thirds of California students failing to achieve proficiency in core subjects, our state ranks near the bottom nationally, despite repeated bond measures aimed at boosting public school funding. These systemic issues highlight a lack of accountability and oversight that undermines both teacher performance and student success, ultimately failing to deliver the quality education our students deserve.

Why School Choice is the Solution

The real issue isn't funding—it's the structural incentives within our education system. Public schools have little motivation to improve because they receive additional state funding when performance is low, creating a cycle that disincentivizes academic excellence. School choice addresses this by funding students, not systems, empowering families to direct resources to schools that meet their children's needs.

Benefits of School Choice

• Empowerment: Families can choose schools that align with their values and their children's learning styles.
• Competition: Schools must strive for excellence to attract and retain students, elevating overall educational standards.
• Equality: Students from all backgrounds gain access to quality education, breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering social mobility.

Addressing Common Concerns

"School choice will take money away from public schools."
Not necessarily. School choice forces public schools to compete for students, encouraging them to improve their standards to retain funding. If parents are satisfied with their public school, that school will continue to receive the same financial support without diminishing resources overall.

"School choice will take money away from special education programs."
This is unfounded. Funding for special education remains intact, and private institutions often manage these funds more effectively, potentially enhancing the quality of services provided. School choice can lead to better allocation and utilization of resources, ensuring that students with special needs receive the appropriate support.

"Public money belongs to public schools."
The funding is intended for students and families, not solely for public institutions. If public schools fail to deliver quality education, reallocating funds to schools that do makes logical sense. Additionally, public money already supports private education through programs like Pell Grants, demonstrating that funding can benefit various educational settings without undermining public schools.

Any argument against school choice withers in the face of the undeniable failings within our current education system.

Take Action Today

The current public school system is failing our students. School choice offers a path to realign educational incentives, ensuring that every child has the opportunity for a better start in life. Advocate for policies that prioritize student funding, support school choice initiatives, and hold educational institutions accountable for delivering quality education.

How You Can Help:

• Vote! Vote for politicians that recognize the importance of school choice. Research which politicians receive union funding and have a vested interest in maintaining the current system of failure.
• Join Advocacy Groups: Join groups like edchoice.org that help spread awareness.
• Vocalize your support: Advocate for our students on social media platforms. The more people learn about school choice initiatives, the more popular they become!

Together, we can transform education in California, ensuring that no child's future is determined by the zip code they were born in.

Sincerely,
Kevin Gregory & Sarah Stetson
Founders, Stetson Academy