Tuberville pushes to expand school choice, says Alabama parents know best: op-ed

This is a guest opinion column provided to 205focus.com.

When it comes to the future of education in Alabama, there is a fundamental divide in philosophy: does the government know what is best for your child, or do parents?

My stance remains firm: parents are the best decision-makers for their own children. This perspective stands in direct contrast to that of Doug Jones, who has suggested that if he is elected governor, he would aim to halt the CHOOSE Act in its tracks. To me, this is a clear indication that he prioritizes government control over parental choice.

Building a Foundation of Opportunity

The CHOOSE Act is the next step in a decade-long effort to expand educational freedom in Alabama. It traces its roots back to the 2013 Alabama Accountability Act, which was designed to help children stuck in failing schools find better alternatives. Since then, Republicans have continued to broaden scholarship opportunities for lower-income families while ensuring we prioritize those in the most challenging school environments.

The program has seen significant engagement. For the 2026-27 school year, Alabama families submitted 48,927 applications for the program, with nearly 30,000 of those coming from families participating for the first time. By design, the CHOOSE Act ensures that working and lower-income families receive priority access to these opportunities.

Investing in Education While Empowering Families

Critics often argue that school choice comes at the expense of public education, but the facts tell a different story. Ten years ago, the Education Trust Fund sat at roughly $6 billion; today, it is nearing $10 billion. We are investing record amounts into our classrooms, increasing teacher pay, and building better facilities—all while cutting grocery taxes.

The CHOOSE Act represents only about one percent of our total education budget. For families trapped in a school that isn't meeting their child's needs, that small percentage is transformative. Education dollars should be spent on educating students, not merely maintaining a government system.

Having spent 40 years in education as both a teacher and a public school student, I believe deeply in our public schools. As governor, I will continue to invest in and improve them. However, supporting public schools should not require us to trap children in environments that do not serve them.

A Matter of Equity

Wealthy families have long possessed the ability to choose their child's school, whether through moving to a different neighborhood, paying for private tuition, or hiring tutors. Our school choice initiatives are about providing those same options to blue-collar and lower-income families who have been historically left behind.

Income, ZIP codes, and political decisions made in Montgomery should not determine a child's future. The power of choice belongs in the hands of parents. Whether you prefer public schools, private options, or homeschooling, the decision should be yours—because you know your child best.

Tommy Tuberville is a U.S. Senator from Alabama. He is the Republican nominee in the 2026 general election for Alabama governor.