Vouchers in New Orleans.

Kane, Kevin

Thanks to Education Next for publishing Michael B. Henderson's informative article on the voucher program in New Orleans ("In the Wake of the Storm," features, Spring 2010). With so much attention being focused on the expansion of charter schools after Hurricane Katrina, these scholarships tend to be overlooked. Mr. Henderson's piece serves as a useful reminder of the program's existence as well as an informative description of how the legislation was passed.

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Unlike the charter schools, which have received broad support since their inception, the voucher program was a "heavy lift" for Governor Bobby Jindal. He and the legislature deserve much credit for taking this on. It would have been easy for reformers to use the continuing expansion of charter schools as an excuse for inaction on the voucher front, but thanks to their commitment hundreds of children can now attend the school of their choice.

In some respects, the expansion of charter schools made it harder for voucher advocates to make a compelling case for their need. Bui as Mr. Henderson describes, effective advocacy by organizations including the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the Black Alliance for Educational Options helped build support for these scholarships.

As Mr. Henderson points out, a number of conditions made it possible for New Orleans to become a hotbed of school reform. Some of these conditions may be replicable in other cities and some may not. But what these reforms can do is lay the groundwork for change around the country.

Perhaps success in New Orleans will serve as a springboard for expanding school choice in cities that still cope with inflexible unions and reluctant policymakers. That could be a more likely, and more beneficial, outcome than hoping that someone can replicate the unusual path to school choice that has been taken here in New Orleans.

KEVIN KANE

President Pelican Institute for Public Policy