Discover how SB 727 and HB 2287 are bringing new life to education in Missouri and sparking a much-needed revival in the state’s school system.
Dr. Kimberly Townsend is founder of The Leadership School in St. Louis
If there’s one universal truth I’ve discovered in over two decades in the education sector, it’s that parents are indeed experts on their own children. This deeply held belief underscores the importance of providing parents with a variety of educational options to choose from.
Growing up on the south side of Chicago during the nineties, I faced the dual challenges of poverty and community trauma. Despite these obstacles, the educators in my life played a pivotal role in shaping my future. They set extraordinarily high expectations for me, fostering a belief in my capabilities that propelled me into a magnet high school. This school not only set me on a path different from many of my peers but also laid the foundation for my future academic and professional successes. I became the first in my family to attend college, eventually earning a doctoral degree from Vanderbilt University and founding The Leadership School in St. Louis.
My story is a testament to the transformative power of school choice. It’s a personal narrative that mirrors the experiences of countless young Black students across the nation who, when given access to quality educational environments, can not only meet but exceed their highest aspirations. This success, in turn, equips future generations with the necessary tools for their own success, thereby uplifting entire communities.
I commend Governor Parson for his recent enactment of SB 727 and HB 2287 in Missouri. These laws not only honor the state’s teachers with deserved pay raises but also increase funding for charter schools and enact universal education savings accounts. Such legislative actions are crucial as they broaden the access of students to exemplary educational resources, mirroring the opportunities that were so pivotal in my own life. These laws enable more students to become first-generation college attendees, fostering environments rich in high expectations and guided by mentors who see and foster potential.
The significance of these laws extends beyond financial support; they empower parents to take active roles in their children’s education. The traditional model of assigning schools based solely on geographic location can disengage parents by stripping them of their decision-making power. However, when parents can choose their children’s schools, a dynamic shift occurs. This choice fosters a unique partnership between parents and educators, characterized by mutual commitment and collaboration. Parents, understanding their children’s needs and potential better than anyone, make informed decisions that educators strive to meet. Students benefit from an environment where they are not only supported but also challenged, creating a holistic model where everyone involved is invested in the educational journey.
I am mostly excited to see this law pave the way for educational entrepreneurs, like myself, to innovate and create diverse, high-quality learning environments tailored to meet the unique needs of students. By increasing funding and support, these laws encourage innovators in the educational sector to think outside the traditional models of schooling. Entrepreneurs can now more feasibly establish schools that not only challenge the status quo but also reflect the diverse cultural, intellectual, and social needs of the communities they serve.
This flexibility allows for the development of programs that can adapt to changes in educational demands and student interests, fostering environments where creativity and individuality are not just encouraged but are central to the curriculum. The impact of such entrepreneurial ventures is profound, as they provide students with personalized learning experiences that are essential in a rapidly evolving world.
This synergy between parental choice and educational quality is a winning formula for reforming education in Missouri. With Missouri’s new law, we are stepping into a promising era of educational freedom and parental involvement.
Looking forward, our mission is clear: We must continue to equip our students with the tools and resources they need to succeed. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but the strides we are making in enhancing educational freedom fill me with optimism. I am hopeful for what the future holds and grateful for leaders like Governor Parson who recognize and act on the need for educational reform.
– Dr. Kimberly Townsend is founder of The Leadership School in St. Louis, and a 2024 McLeod Society Fellow at Black Minds Matter.
