North Dakota governor demands universal school choice now

In North Dakota, during a budget address on December 4, 2024, Governor Doug Burgum proposed a bold plan for universal school choice, marking a significant shift in educational policy for the state. This proposal comes after Burgum had previously vetoed a private school choice bill, citing that it did not go far enough in providing options for families. His current initiative focuses on establishing Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which would allow families to utilize state funds towards various educational expenses, such as tuition for private schools and homeschooling resources. Burgum emphasized that the intention behind this initiative is not to create a divide between public and private education; rather, it aims to equip every student with the necessary tools for success in their future endeavors, including readiness for careers, college, or military service. He stated that the objective is to develop a comprehensive program for ESAs that will further promote North Dakota's committed approach to serving all students, whether they are enrolled in public, private, or homeschooling environments. The passage of a previous educational reimbursement program in the state legislature indicates a growing support for educational choice, although it struggled to override Burgum's veto last year due to the lack of a two-thirds supermajority. Supporters of parental choice viewed the recent proposal as a triumph for families advocating for the ability to choose their child's education, highlighting legislative debates that may arise balancing parental control against the financial implications for public schools. As the landscape of school choice evolves across the United States, with numerous states adopting or expanding ESA programs, the discussion in North Dakota is reflective of a broader trend towards providing families with more control over their educational decisions. Universal school choice has become a legislated reality in 12 states, and nearly 30 states currently explore some form of private school choice, indicating a shift in the public’s perception of education, including the growing acknowledgment that educational funding should be able to follow the child regardless of their income level. Burgum's announcement, thus, positions North Dakota in alignment with these national developments. Simultaneously, neighboring South Dakota's Governor Kristi Noem expressed similar sentiments for establishing a school choice program through the creation of ESAs, revealing an increasing regional interest in expanding educational options. The combined efforts of leaders in both states reflect a strong momentum toward rethinking educational funding frameworks, allowing families greater agency in selecting the educational paths for their children.