Leaders kick off School Choice Week, highlight Utah Fits All Scholarship

SALT LAKE CITY — Families gathered Saturday to kick off the start of National School Choice Week and highlight the Utah Fits All Scholarship. School Choice week happens all over the country for families who choose a different educational route for their kids. Here in Utah, the celebration hinges on helping families access the scholarship or tax credit for their child in a homeschool, private school, or micro school setting. "I've personally loved having just the freedom to, really, choose anything that my kids need," mother Heather Bailey said. Bailey is a mother of six who homeschools, and she said being in Utah has made a real difference in their journey. "I love being in Utah. I love how simple it is to let's homeschool or get funding through like, scholarships like this one," she said. Attorney General Derek Brown gave the keynote address. He spoke to families like Heather's about Utah's educational tax credit program, the Utah Fits All Scholarship. Families who choose a private school or homeschool option instead of public school can access up to $8,000 in an education savings account. This year marks the second year of the program. "They're defenders of it. They're advocates. They share their stories with us and their 'wow' moments, and what's working and how their children are thriving," said Utah Education Fits All Executive Director Robyn Bagley. Beginning and funding the scholarship program took huge legislative effort; this year, the program is fully funded. Legislators will be making small code adjustments this session. There have been legal challenges to Utah's educational tax credit system. On Friday, Idaho's Supreme Court heard arguments on whether a similar tax credit is constitutional.

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