In this episode of Tuesday Tips, we were joined by Nina Rees to discuss the future of charter schools in 2025. Here are the conversation’s top three observations from Nina:
- The charter school movement is largely driven by state-level efforts, and while federal decisions can impact funding, charter schools are shielded from much of the chaos at the federal level. Local control remains a central strength of the movement, although federal funding (e.g., Title I) is still important.
- Constitutional amendments related to school choice often fail due to a lack of voter understanding and the challenges of getting constitutional amendments passed. To improve chances of success, advocates should start early, raise significant funds, and simplify the message. A well-funded opposition can sway voter decisions, particularly when the wording is vague or complicated.
- State-level school choice movements, particularly in states like Texas, Florida, and Arizona, have already influenced federal perspectives. Momentum in red states for school choice and charter schools could drive broader policy changes, even at the national level. While the federal response remains uncertain, state successes demonstrate how strong grassroots movements can change the educational landscape.
