Utah School Choice Rally: Championing Educational Freedom for All Families
Utah has emerged as a prominent advocate for school choice, driven by the belief that every child deserves access to an education that caters to their unique needs and aspirations. This commitment was recently showcased during National School Choice Week, with a series of events highlighting the benefits of diverse educational options and the impact of programs like the Utah Fits All Scholarship.
A Thousand Voices Rally for School Choice at the Capitol
On the opening day of the 2025 legislative session, the Utah State Capitol was filled with the voices of approximately one thousand K-12 students from across Utah. These students, representing nearly 40 different charter schools, gathered to rally and advocate for school choice. The event, hosted by the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, provided students with a platform to showcase their schools and gain firsthand insight into the legislative process.
Royce Van Tassell, executive director of the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, emphasized the importance of elected officials hearing the voices of these students. He stated, "We want to make sure that that interaction is real and that they understand how important it is for every child to find a school that fits them." Van Tassell highlighted the variety of educational options available in Utah, including district schools and charter schools, and stressed the significance of families having the opportunity to choose a school that aligns with their values.
Van Tassell also noted that Utah's charter school law is among the best in the nation, with 43 states currently having such laws in place, positioning Utah as a leader in empowering parents to make informed decisions about their children's education.
Utah Fits All Scholarship: Expanding Access to Educational Opportunities
The Utah Fits All voucher program, established in 2023 through HB215, provides $8,000 scholarships to qualifying families, enabling them to access private schools and other private education options. While the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools remained neutral on HB215, its enactment has undeniably broadened access to alternative schooling options for Utah families.
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During the 2025 legislative session, the association is closely monitoring HB43, sponsored by Rep. Karen Peterson, R-Clinton, which seeks to extend "sunset dates" on specific funding streams for charter education. Van Tassell expressed the charter schools' desire to maintain their innovative spirit, stating, "Instead of having to use this money only this way, just to meet the needs of your kids and your faculty and do what's best for our kids."
Furthermore, an unnumbered bill is being developed to enhance parental awareness of the various school choice options available to them.
State Leaders Champion School Choice
Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson affirmed her and Gov. Spencer Cox's support for charter education in Utah. She expressed confidence in the students, stating, "You will build yourselves into the future leaders that we need, that our state needs, that our country needs (and) our community needs."
Celebrating the Utah Fits All Scholarship: A Musical Rally
A "Celebrating the Utah Fits All Scholarship" rally took place at Juan Diego Catholic High School, featuring Utah Attorney General Derek Brown as the keynote speaker. Brown, a talented pianist, delivered his message while playing Disney tunes and classical pieces on a grand piano, simultaneously advocating for Utah's school choice voucher program.
Brown was joined onstage by state Sen. Kirk Cullimore, R-Draper, also a skilled musician, who performed duets with Brown on both the piano and the violin. Cullimore has been a staunch supporter of the scholarship program in the Legislature.
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The musical performances added a festive atmosphere to the event, which was held in conjunction with National School Choice Week. Brown's involvement with the Utah Fits All Scholarship extends beyond musical performances and speeches, as he is also involved in the legal defense of the program.
The Utah Education Association and several individual plaintiffs sued the state after the school voucher program was enacted in 2023. Judge Laura Scott ruled that the Utah Fits All program was unconstitutional because it did not meet the constitutional requirements applicable to the "public education system."
Brown emphasized that parents have the right to choose "and figure out what works for your kids" and offer the best opportunities. He added, "Our job - as moms and dads and legislators and senators and the attorney general - is to make sure that we have a system here in Utah that fits you."
He used the analogy of ill-fitting shoes to illustrate the importance of finding the right educational fit for each child. "The problem is not the size of the foot - it’s the size of the shoe. So instead, choose to buy shoes that fit. And, my friend, that is what we try to do for you," he said.
Utah Education Fits All Executive Director Robyn Bagley stated that the educational scholarship is transforming lives in Utah, "It’s making a difference in our children’s lives and giving them the opportunity to thrive and to love learning and to find pathways to success.”
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Scholarship Recipients Share Their Stories
The "Celebrating the Utah Fits All Scholarship" rally also featured stories from Utahns who have benefited from the program. The Hansens, a family of seven, shared how the scholarship has enabled them to meet the unique academic needs of each of their school-aged children.
Mumo Kavila, a junior at Juan Diego Catholic High School, explained how the scholarship has allowed him to attend the private secondary school. "Opportunities can change your life - but only if you’re given the chance to step through the door," he said. "Because of Juan Diego High and the Utah Fits All Scholarship, I was given that chance. And it’s shaped me in ways that I never expected."
Kavila, a Soaring Eagle athlete, shared that enrolling at Juan Diego High has fostered personal growth. "Mentally, I’ve learned the importance of faith, diligence and pushing myself (to new levels)."
National School Choice Week: A Statewide Celebration
During National School Choice Week, more than 240 schools and organizations across Utah participated in events, including a celebration at the state capitol. Learning choices for Utah students encompass traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet programs, private schools, online learning, and homeschooling.
Andrew Campanella, CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, stated, "Utah's wide range of education options showcases the state's commitment to expanding education opportunities for families in both urban and rural communities. For families in Utah and across the country, school choice is becoming the new normal."
Royce Van Tassell, Executive Director of Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, added, "Every child in Utah deserves the opportunity to attend a school that fits their unique needs, values, and aspirations."
A United Front for Educational Freedom
The "A Fit for All Families!" event brought together families, students, policymakers, and community leaders to celebrate education choice and the Utah Fits All Scholarship. The event honored the families whose lives have been transformed through education choice and the leaders and advocates who make it possible.
Speaker Mike Schultz, President Stuart Adams, and Senator Kirk Cullimore, staunch supporters of empowering parents with the freedom to choose the best education for their children, were acknowledged at the event. Representative Candice Pierucci, the bill sponsor, was also recognized for her efforts.
The driving message of the event was unity, recognizing the progress made as a movement. With a growing database of over 21,000 parents, the movement has become formidable. The momentum achieved, such as doubling program funding, needs to continue.
As the 2025 legislative session progresses, advocates will continue to advocate for additional funding and protect the law and the program.
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