School choice is hugely popular in North Carolina. Even more popular than I would have predicted before the Civitas Poll was released last month. Only around 6 percent of North Carolinians polled seemed to have a problem with more parental choice in education. We are seeing some of these results having an impact at the ballot box in other states, particularly Florida and Georgia. Florida saw two Republicans squeak out statewide wins in November’s governor and U.S. Senate race, in part, because of a higher percentage of support from black voters. This was true too in Georgia’s governor race, which was also extremely close. This occurred even when the Democrat nominees in two of those races were African-American.
Even with 92 percent of North Carolinians showing full or some support for school choice, many politicians in the state haven’t caught up with their constituents on this issue. In reality, the disconnect between lawmakers and the public is astonishing.
School Choice is a huge theme in the February issue of NC Capitol Connection.
One of the stories I enjoyed writing was a profile on the vision for the Heritage Leadership Academy in Apex and Durham. Brooke Medina and I sat down with Georgeanna Wiest, school founder and head of school. We talked too with Carl Chaney, head administrator. You can read the story here.
I doubt the article can do full justice to the passion they have for education which was clearly evident in our meeting. With many of the problems we see today in education at all levels, it was inspiring to see and talk with two individuals who have a true heart for seeing students not only excel but flourish in a way that allows them to truly reflect God as image bearers.
As a parent of two young boys, it was a great reminder of the important role parents or guardians play as stewards in the education of their children.
There is a lot of other content in this issue, even beyond school choice, and it can be found in the PDF below.
