Utahans Choose Better Schools

After much controversy, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. signed legislation, the “Parent Choice in Education Program” (PCEP) that now provides every family in the state the right to choose their child’s school.

And to much surprise, the program has been receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from parents…. but do they really understand what a voucher program is?

A recent study by Western Wats reports 57% of Utahans have “no concept of what school vouchers actually do.” When asked by surveyors “Which of the following best describes a school voucher?” a majority of parents answered it was to reduce teachers’ salaries, pay for new books in the library, help school districts pay for new buildings or help defray the cost for parents that choose to send their children to charter schools.

Strangely enough, the same Western Wats study says 56% of Utah voters are in favor of school choice. So how can parents be so supportive of a program they have “no concept” of?

“People get confused over the word ‘voucher’… when you introduce people to a new word it takes awhile. The survey reflects that the public likes and understands the term “school choice” (choosing your child’s school): the confusion comes when the word ‘voucher’ is introduced.” clarified Nancy Pomeroy, Communication Director for PCEP.

According to Pomeroy, Utah has created websites, radio spots and television ads to educate people on exactly what a voucher is.

Set to begin in Fall 2007, the universal voucher program is said to be the most expansive in the country.

PCEP is a state-funded scholarship program for K-12 students. Qualifying families have the opportunity to receive a voucher to help pay for tuition costs at the participating private school of their choice. Voucher amounts range from $300 to $3,000 based on size of family and annual income.

Currently, Utah spends $6,185 on each student in the public school system per year. The voucher program is projected to save around $4,000 for every child that leaves public schools with a scholarship. Research from Utah State University reports a future savings of $1.2 billion.

For more information on the Parent Choice in Education Program and links to other state voucher programs, check out: www.choiceineducation.org .

Wendy Cook is a staff writer for Accuracy in Academia.