Michigan NCPSO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2012
Contact: Matt Resch
(517) 371-7843

Parents Hail Vote Approving More Choices in Education
State House approves expansion of online learning options

LANSING - The following is a statement from Brian and Heidi Kevelin, board members of the National Coalition for Public School Options Michigan Chapter, praising the passage of Senate Bill 619, legislation expanding educational opportunities for students and choices for parents, by the State House of Representatives.

"More options are finally almost here for families desperately waiting for a chance to enroll in an online charter public school.

"For months now, parents and students have faithfully travelled to Lansing to make their voices heard, meeting with their legislators and testifying about the benefits online learning options have delivered for their families. Today, the State House took action to expand access to online learning, and we are grateful.

"We are especially grateful to State Representatives Lisa Lyons and Tom McMillin, current and past chairs of the House Education Committee, for their work on behalf of families, and to State Senators Phil Pavlov and Patrick Colbeck for their relentless leadership and commitment to passing Senate Bill 619.

"While it is very unfortunate that partisanship stood in the way of allowing this bill to take effect immediately offering help to families this coming school year, more options for a great education are coming soon to Michigan, and for thousands of families across our state that brings excitement, relief and the opportunity."

The National Coalition for Public School Options Michigan Chapter is an alliance of parents that supports and defends parents' rights to access the best public school options for their children. The Coalition supports the creation of public school options, including charter schools, online schools, magnet schools, tuition scholarship programs, open enrollment policies and other innovative education programs. More information is available online at www.publicschooloptions.org/michigan.