Too often, the debate over education in Idaho is presented as an either-or proposition: either you support traditional public schools, or you support education choice. That’s a false choice pushed upon us by extremists who have now filed a lawsuit with the state Supreme Court.

Here’s the truth: Idaho’s future depends on embracing both.

Public schools and education choice are not enemies. They are complementary tools that serve the same purpose: ensuring every child has access to a quality education that fits their needs. Public schools remain the backbone of our system. They are where the majority of Idaho’s children will continue to learn, grow, and prepare for their futures. At the same time, education choice — whether through charter schools, magnet schools, the state’s new tax credit, or other innovative models — recognizes that one size does not fit all. Families are diverse. Children have unique strengths, challenges, and circumstances. Policy should reflect that reality.

Idaho’s constitution allows for this balance. It requires the state to maintain a general, uniform, and thorough system of public schools — a responsibility that will always be central. But nowhere does it say that other educational options cannot exist or cannot be supported. The constitutional framework ensures a strong public school system while also leaving room for innovation and flexibility to meet the needs of every family. In fact, several other states with similar constitutional provisions have embraced education choice without undermining their public schools.

West Virginia is a perfect example of this. Faced with a similar lawsuit over its new education choice law, justices ruled that “nothing prevents the legislature from doing both things.”

The key is understanding that healthy competition and diverse options actually strengthen public schools. Just as competition in the marketplace pushes businesses to improve, choice in education encourages schools to be more responsive, innovative, and accountable. Meanwhile, families who choose public schools benefit from a system that is stronger, more focused, and more adaptive to today’s challenges.

This is not about abandoning one model for the other. It’s about building an ecosystem of education where public schools thrive and families who need alternatives have them. Idaho doesn’t have to choose between strong public schools and education choice. Our students deserve both.

In fact, a majority of Idahoans support the education choice proposal that was passed in the last legislative session – a simple tax credit that gives families more options and flexibility.

If we want Idaho to be a state where every child, regardless of income or ZIP code, has access to the best possible education, then we should stop fighting old battles and start embracing a vision that includes everyone.