As a parent, you do not take education decisions lightly. When something is not working for your child, you feel it every day. You see it in their stress, their frustration, and their loss of confidence. And when you decide to take education into your own hands, you do it because you have to, not because it is easy.

My daughter attends a Christian school because our family has already experienced the public school system with our older son, and it was not the right fit for him. We also did not feel that the public school assigned for our children provided a safe or supportive environment. Our concerns with his assigned public school were so significant that we withdrew him for a month while we sought a better option. Ultimately, our son transferred to a charter school. That experience showed us firsthand how critical it is to find an educational setting where a child can truly thrive.

For our daughter, who is still young, we wanted to be more intentional from the beginning. We chose a school where we can be actively involved in her education and where the instruction aligns with our family’s values. We believe education should focus on academic growth and character development, and we are not comfortable with political or ideological agendas introduced in the classroom in ways that conflict with our beliefs.

Like many families, we simply do not have the financial means to cover private school costs on our own. We could not afford private school for our son, which is why he attended a charter school. To enroll our daughter in a private Christian school, we are borrowing and stretching our finances in ways that are not sustainable long term. That is why Idaho’s Parental Choice Tax Credit matters so much to our family. It is not a luxury. It is essential support that makes this decision possible.

This program is a really great opportunity for Idaho families to help alleviate some of the costs families take on when they decide to step in and help their children succeed, especially when the public school system is not working for them. Parents who make these choices are already taking responsibility for their children’s education. This tax credit simply helps meet them halfway.

What is especially telling is how many families are already applying. According to the Idaho State Tax Commission, more than 4,650 applications have already been submitted for the Parental Choice Tax Credit Program. That level of participation shows just how many families were waiting for this kind of support.

That is why it is so disappointing to see a teachers union respond by filing a lawsuit to block the program. From a parent’s perspective, this sends the wrong message. When an organization sues to stop a program that thousands of families are actively seeking out, it does not come across as advocacy for students. It comes across as a direct challenge to parents who are simply trying to do what is best for their children.

This is not about attacking public schools. Many families, including mine, want public schools to succeed. But one system cannot meet the needs of every child. Parents should not be punished for recognizing that and acting in their child’s best interest.

Idaho families are clearly showing that this program matters. Thousands have already applied because they need the flexibility and support it provides. The Parental Choice Tax Credit is helping families like mine make responsible, thoughtful decisions about education. Trying to shut it down now is out of step with parents and out of touch with the realities families are facing every day.

– Felicia Dechambeau is an Idaho resident and parent of two, advocating for educational options that put students and families first.