Our nation's founding fathers, specifically Thomas Jefferson, were the first to stress an educated public, this was necessary for self government. However, the federal government has no express authority over education granted by the US Constitution for either oversight or administration. Our federal system of government leaves the responsibility to the states. In fact, Article VIII, subsection 2 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 expressly states that the State will provide free, public education.

Though the state will provide the tools towards education it is still the responsibility, and in the interest, of the individual and/or parents to ensure proper educational attainment, both for reasons of self-government and for economic sustenance.

Education is a big deal. In fiscal year 2006 state spending on public education accounted for almost 1/3 of all government expenses, (http://www.michigan.gov/budget/0,1607,7-157-40794-139071--F,00.html) because of its large portion of the total expenditures any small cost efficiencies will carry the largest effect relative to any other budget account.

My vision for education (K-12) involves one word, one theme. Choice. We have choice everywhere we look in virtually every other product or service that we desire: grocery stores, haircuts, sporting goods, etc. We do not have choice in education. The Schools of Choice program allows students to attend any public school, however, this program is severely crippled by geography and physical distance to those desired schools.

I envision a broad range of school options given the time and non-interference of government.
1. Year-round schools
2. Schools with staggered hours (which may better serve parents with non-traditional work hours)
3. Schools focused/specialized in particular disciplines
4. Schools of varying size
5. Schools better equipped for segments of students (ex. autistic, other challenged, etc.)
6. Parochial/religious--Christian, Lutheran, Catholic, witch-craft, etc.
7. Neighborhood schools--providing children the ability to walk to school and not awaken at 5:30 am to catch a 6:30 am bus.

Giving parents and students choices will bring back competition into the educational arena. Competition will weed out faulty educational models and actors and will ensure individuals are provided the best education for their needs. Competition does not and will not weaken government schools, in fact, government schools willing to alter their offerings will be made more relevant to the education seeking consumer. Educational choice will, just as competition amongst providers in every other competitive arena, drive efficiencies.

Choice will be offered to every parent and child through...
1. Educational Tax Credits--at the margin this will provide parents and children a larger set of educational choices. Efficiencies are driven by the fact that privately run schools, on average, educate at approximately 75-80 cents to the dollar of government schools.
2. Removing quantity restrictions on charter schools--City leaders should applaud this development as some for-profit school models pay property taxes.
3. Vouchers expansion--families not enticed by the tax credit will be eligible for a voucher, not after NCLB's (No Child Left Behind) 4 year failing provision, but immediately so that choice is not reserved only for those with financial resources.

Again, competition will drive efficiencies, drawing greater results from lesser inputs, and save tax payers money. Current government schools teachers and administrators must understand that while the competitive market can be uncertain, that it is not a zero-sum game, the ratio of winners to losers is not 1 to 1. I am confident that within the ranks of government schools there are many personnel with advanced degrees and the requisite skills to found and manage schools of their own. Competition can deliver it! The restoration of liberty to the educational system is a certain precursor to increased prosperity.