In Defense of Local Schools

When it comes to America’s schools, the pillars of conservative thought tend to be school choice and local control. There’s a quiet assumption that the two fit hand-in-glove. But it’s become clear that this might not always be the case.

And this matters — a lot. Schools account for the lion’s share of state and local spending and are woven into the fabric of the community. In 2018, a host of imperiled Republican governors and state legislators will need to work overtime to address the concerns of families who’ve felt overlooked by policymakers and distrust reforms associated with the mess in Washington.