School Choice Is a Path Forward for Our Communities

December 19, 2025

In response to an executive order signed earlier this year aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, Black parents and communities are increasingly exploring alternatives to traditional public schools. Many families are dissatisfied with public education systems that fail to address their children's individual needs while simultaneously investing heavily in security measures like metal detectors and resource officers rather than comprehensive student support. The article argues that Black communities have historically created their own educational pathways and should proactively prepare for potential federal education changes by researching local school choice options, building community networks, and even creating new educational models like microschools.

Who is affected

Black and Brown families and their children in public K-12 schools
The 90% of students who attend public schools
Parents who are pulling children out of certain school districts
Students with behavioral or learning challenges
Families living in areas with unequal educational resources tied to zip codes
Communities served by local school boards and public school districts

What action is being taken

The current President is working to dismantle the Department of Education following the March executive order
Black parents are pulling their children out of certain school districts across the country
Some schools are hiring additional school resource officers and purchasing metal detectors
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is providing $160 million in funding for school safety
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is distributing $9.01 million in school safety grants
Georgia is allocating $61,000 per school for safety upgrades, $20 million for behavioral health, and $7 million for student advocacy specialists under House Bill 268

Why it matters

This issue matters because it represents a fundamental shift in how American public education may be structured and funded, directly affecting 90% of students who attend public schools. The potential dismantling of the Department of Education could eliminate federal oversight and resources that many families depend on, particularly those in communities already facing systemic racism and unequal educational opportunities. For Black communities specifically, this creates both urgency and opportunity—urgency to secure quality education before systems change, and opportunity to build upon their historical tradition of creating alternative educational pathways that better serve their children's needs. The consequences of inaction could leave families unprepared and children without adequate educational options.

What's next

Parents should attend local school board meetings to learn about available school choice programs and meet other families
Families need to research school choice options specific to their state laws and district policies
Parents should share information about educational alternatives with community groups, churches, and non-profit organizations
Communities should create their own educational networks if they aren't invited to join existing ones
Parents and students should gather to share what educational approaches are working and design creative solutions
Families should reach out to existing microschools to learn what's working in other communities
Communities should build new educational programs if needed options don't exist in their area

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint