Public school or bust? Huntsville School Board member guilts, shames parents for using school choice

—

February 20, 2025

A Huntsville City School Board member is trying to shame parents for withdrawing their children from a public school to enroll them in private academic institutions.

According to District 3 representative, Andrea Alvarez, parents considering pulling their children from public schools somehow owe an explanation to the students who remain.

“I think before anyone unenrolls their child from public school, they should have to look every other student at that school in the face and say “sorry, but my child deserves more than you do.”

The criticism is a political reaction to the new school choice program that began this year in Alabama.

As a part of the CHOOSE Act, families can receive a $7,000 Education Savings Account (ESA) to enter their student into a private or public school at the beginning of the next academic year. Those homeschooled will be up for a $2,000 ESA with a limit of $4,000 for each family. An ESA can be used to pay for school tuition, tutoring, educational therapies, and other qualified education expenses at approved education service providers across the state.

The comment by Alvarez quickly drew fierce criticism from parents of Huntsville City Schools students.

While she rails against parents withdrawing their children from public schools, it is also worth noting that Alvarez herself attended a private school in her youth.

Yesterday, Governor Kay Ivey highlighted the growing number of families signing up for program.

“During my state of the state address, I announced 18,000 students had applied for the CHOOSE Act. And we received applications from ALL 67 counties,” Ivey said on X. “Just two weeks later, that number has GROWN to 20,000! Taxpaying Alabama families overwhelmingly want school choice.”

During my state of the state address, I announced 18,000 students had applied for the CHOOSE Act. And we received applications from ALL 67 counties.

Just two weeks later, that number has GROWN to 20,000!

Taxpaying Alabama families overwhelmingly want school choice. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/qQ5RmZ4axX

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) February 19, 2025