By: Christin KaiserA little over one year ago, my daughter Mary-Grace came to me saying that she “needed more” out of her educational experience. Knowing that she already spent time in private and public schools of all varieties, I listened to my daughter, who, by the way, is only in 7th grade, when she advocated for her desire to enroll in Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy (LAVCA). As a parent, I know that she will thrive there because she is able to accelerate her studies in science, social studies, and English, and receive support in math at the same time. LAVCA just works for my daughter and our family.

However, this cherished experience for Mary-Grace is under attack. On Wednesday, we attended a hearing of the First Circuit Court of Appeals, convened to determine the fate of Type 2 charter schools in our state. During these tense 30 minutes in Baton Rouge, I was reminded of the threat not only to my daughter’s future, but also the futures of 13,000 sons and daughters who could lose access to a public school option that works for them. Both brick and mortar charter schools and virtual charter schools could be caused to close if the plaintiffs prevail, leaving children like Mary-Grace and Cole to return to neighborhood schools that didn’t work for them.

I write today because decisions like this affect your families, too. Your children need access to options in education, too. We cannot win the fight to expand school choice unless we are all united behind the #ITrustParents banner. So, please join me in defending your right as a parent to choose the school in Louisiana or your home state that will empower your child to succeed!