Amusing Exchange in the Atlanta Journal Constitution

Edspresso links to two op-eds about parental choice in education published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The piece in favor of choice is by Jeb Bush, and talks about the Opportunity Scholarship Program in Florida. The piece against is by Dave Belton, a board of education member in a Georgia county. But he’s not really against:

I’m not against targeted vouchers — and I’m not against competition. Kids in failing schools should be allowed to leave and find a good education. But let’s limit that system to people who really need it. Let’s walk before we run.

So he wouldn’t mind scholarships to take kids out of failing schools, he just doesn’t want a mass exodus. Well, Mr. Belton, there’s no need to worry. The public schools that are doing a great job will hold on to students no matter how many scholarships you give out. Helping kids escape failing schools is the whole point of the scholarship proposals that states are considering!