Jumping for Joy Over Sandoval’s Embrace of Vouchers

(Chuck Muth) – Jon Ralston wrote in his Flash newsletter yesterday that I was “ecstatic” about Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Sandoval’s education reform proposal.

Yep.

What’s not to love for conservatives who love education but can’t stand the lousy government-run public school monopoly? Here are some excerpts from the document released by Sandoval yesterday:

• “The single greatest thnk we can do four our young people is prepare them for success by providing them with a quality education.”

• “As Nevadans, we need to make a world class education for our kids more than a campaign slogan; we must make it a reality.”

• “The education system in Nevada does not measure up…”

• “It’s time to get serious about reform and challenge the status quo.”

• “It’s time to give Nevada parents real choices.”

• “It’s time for fundamental change…(including) expanded opportunities for choice.”

• “Virtual and distance learning opportunities will expand.”

• “(F)ailing schools will be fixed.”

• “Opportunity means freeing parents and children who are trapped in failing schools.”

• “Vouchers: Choice Should Include Private Schools. Parents should be able to seek out the best possible education for their kids. Whether it is across the street, across town, public or private.”

If that’s not something for parents with school-aged children to be ecstatic about, I don’t know what is.

If Brian will now campaign on this issue of vouchers, he’ll have a mandate from the people to pursue it as governor. And if as governor he truly takes a leadership role on vouchers and fights for them using the power of his office and the bully pulpit, they will become a reality.

Remember, there are a LOT of minority children with a LOT to gain from vouchers, and all those new Democrats going to Carson City next year are not yet completely bought-and-paid-for by the teachers union. And that new UNR study showing universal school vouchers have helped children in Chile immensely helps the cause for statewide universal vouchers in Nevada immensely.

Hang in there, kids. Help could be on the way!