As Linda McMahon was confirmed as the U.S. secretary of education, National PTA President Yvonne Johnson issued the following statement on behalf of the millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders who make up the PTA and are dedicated to ensuring the educational success of children and promoting family engagement in schools:
"As the nation's oldest and largest child advocacy association and a voice for parents nationwide, National PTA appreciates Secretary McMahon indicating during her confirmation hearing that she will prioritize parent voice, however, our association has strong concerns regarding Secretary McMahon’s support of efforts that would divert critical public-school resources. Our association remains steadfast in our belief that public education and our nation’s educator workforce must be strengthened with the support of adequate funding and continue to be governed by public officials to ensure all children can reach their full potential.
“Our association opposes efforts to undermine public education by diverting taxpayer funds to any private school choice system—vouchers, tax credits or deductions. We support educational choices within public schools to meet the needs of all students and believe parents and families should be involved in all aspects of public-school choice plans, however there is a difference between public school choice programs and the use of taxpayer dollars for private school voucher programs. Voucher programs have proven ineffective in improving student achievement, lack accountability, deprive students of the rights and protections they would receive in public schools, and fail in providing adequate services for students most in need, including students with disabilities, low-income students and students who are English learners. Public dollars carry the responsibility for providing public access, governance and accountability, and our association strongly believes public dollars must remain invested in public schools for the benefit of all students and the future of our nation.
“Our association is also concerned about potential future efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education or reorganize offices within the department to other federal agencies. Our nation’s public schools serve over 80% of our nation’s students, and programs and funding streams administered by the U.S. Department of Education—including disbursement of Title I and Title II funding, grants through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Office of Civil Rights and the Statewide Family Engagement Centers program—serve students and families most in need of vital supports. These programs are essential to improving academic outcomes and student well-being, in addition to improving teacher retention rates and addressing the nationwide educator shortage. The programs cannot be dismantled or reallocated without having devastating impacts on the children, families, educators and schools they serve.
“Our association remains steadfast in our approach of putting the needs of all children and families first by advocating for high-quality public education with high standards and accountability. We look forward to informing Secretary McMahon of our public policy priorities. Where we are in alignment, we stand ready to work together. However, deeply concerning policies that attempt to weaken public education, including federal support for our nation’s educators, will continue to meet National PTA’s opposition.
“As throughout our history, it remains a top priority of National PTA to make sure families' voices and perspectives are heard and included and to advocate for investments in programs that promote equity and opportunity for all children so that every child’s potential can become a reality.”
Photo Credit: PRNewsfoto/NationalPTA
