School choice is taking the nation by storm, and Kansas families are increasingly a part of that important conversation. Thirty-two states (plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico) have instituted school choice measures. There are 75 different programs being leveraged to support children in those states, and there are over 1.5 million students who are currently participating in school choice as of December 2025.
Along with my Christian school colleagues, we are jointly writing a letter to Gov. Laura Kelly to urge participation in the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program. This program represents a rare opportunity to expand educational opportunities for thousands of students and families through voluntary, private federal-level tax credit donations, not state appropriations. Opting into the program requires no new state spending from Kansas’s budget. These program funds can serve both public and private school students—for tuition, tutoring, textbooks, technology, transportation, and services for students with disabilities.
If our state declines to participate by non-action, however, the federal tax-credited donations will not stay in the state of Kansas. Kansas taxpayers are still eligible to support students in other states through their donations, but Kansas families will not receive scholarships from those dollars if Kansas does not opt-in. An analysis projects that if 15% of Kansas taxpayers participated, Kansas families could receive about $100.6 million in scholarships to support their children’s education.
Choosing not to opt-in does not stop the giving—it just redirects it elsewhere. Our students (and our state) should not lose out on millions of potential scholarship dollars because of inaction. This program is intentionally designed to reach those who need it most. Families earning up to 300% of the area median income, as defined by HUD, are eligible for scholarships. This ensures support for the working-class and lower-income families who may struggle to afford extra educational support or are stuck in failing public schools.
The educational landscape is changing. Families across income levels are looking for more flexibility in educational opportunities, and this program offers a responsible, bipartisan way to empower parents and improve student outcomes. Gov. Kelly should opt-in to this program to demonstrate her administration’s commitment to educational opportunity, parental choice, equity, and family empowerment – without new costs or bureaucracy.
I have personally witnessed students who were struggling, either academically, socially, or otherwise, flourish in a different environment. Our school is certainly not alone in seeing this type of change. I have watched as parents went from feeling overwhelmed and out of options to regaining hope when they were able to change the learning environment for their child. Many parents want more options when it comes to schooling and simply cannot afford a different type of education for their child. Why would we want barriers standing in the way of supporting families and students? There is no greater joy for a parent than to see their child flourish. Why would we want anything different?
The fiscal tradeoffs are highly favorable for Kansans who are pursuing the best educational environment for their family. As a former educator, Governor Kelly should understand that students’ needs are not a “one-size-fits-all” situation. Standing with Kansas families and supporting Kansas parents who simply want the freedom to choose the best path for their children’s future is the most American and Kansan thing we could do.
Many Kansans value both fiscal responsibility and family freedom. Opting into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program honors both of these values. It keeps Kansas taxpayers’ dollars working for Kansas students while expanding opportunity without expanding government. Governor Kelly has an opportunity to ensure that Kansas does not sit on the sidelines while other states move forward. By opting in, Governor Kelly will stand with families, educators, and students who simply want access to the best educational environment or services that meet students’ needs. The State of Kansas should not leave this opportunity on the table – Kansas children should not be penalized for inaction when opportunity is available at no direct cost to the state budget.
John Walker
Superintendent, Central Christian School