Idaho Farm Bureau sets the record straight on education choice

Many Idaho legislators come from rural communities that are home to many farms. As the debate over education choice has unfolded over the past several years, their opinions have yielded extra weight.

Those opposing any additional education choice options have been using the name of the Farm Bureau in an attempt to sway lawmakers who may be undecided.

"Learning from the mistakes of other states" blared one headline, referring to the Indiana Farm Bureau and contending that rural communities are opposed.

In another recent interview, it was suggested that farmers and rural communities stand in opposition.

The problem is the Idaho Farm Bureau and its members don't have a position on education choice, as they made clear today.

The good news is that education choice can be very popular in rural areas. In fact, the National Center for Education Statistics shows there are 814 rural charter schools across the country, as well as 7,045 rural private schools. This demonstrates that options in rural communities can be created, supported and sustained.