🧠 How to Ask the Right Questions About School Choice (and Who to Ask Them To)

If You’re New to School Policy, Start Here

When a big policy like the School Choice Bill (SB2) passes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or out of the loop—especially if you’re not used to following politics or school board meetings. But asking the right questions is one of the most powerful tools you have as a parent, community member, or taxpayer.

This article will help you learn:

• What kinds of questions actually matter

• How to avoid “asking the wrong person”

• Who to talk to if you want answers (or action)

• Why timing makes a difference

🧭 What Are “The Right Questions”?

The right questions are clear, specific, and focused on impact.
They’re not always about debating the bill—they’re about understanding how it affects real people.

Here are some examples:

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

• Will my child’s public school lose funding if other kids leave?

• If I qualify for $10,000, will it actually cover the full cost of a private school?

• What private schools in my area accept state funding?

• What happens if my child has special needs or learning differences?

👥 For Community Members

• How much money will our local school district lose under SB2?

• Will cuts in school funding affect local jobs (like bus drivers or cafeteria workers)?

• How will this bill affect property taxes or the reputation of our schools?

📊 For Taxpayers

• Are there safeguards in place to make sure private schools are using taxpayer money responsibly?

• How can I see how public dollars are being spent in my school district?

👂 Who Should You Ask?

Asking the right questions to the wrong person wastes time—and leads to confusion. Here’s a breakdown of who to go to:

✨ Pro tip: Don’t stop at one person. Ask a few people the same question and compare what you hear. It builds a fuller picture.

⏱️ Why Timing Matters

There are better and worse times to ask certain questions.

• During school board meetings – Bring up local funding, staffing, enrollment shifts.

• At PTA or parent forums – Ask about how your child’s school is preparing for changes.

• During legislative sessions or town halls – Ask lawmakers how they plan to protect public schools.

• During enrollment seasons – Ask private schools if they’re accepting ESA funds and what’s included.

Timing your questions during decision-making periods helps you get answers while there’s still time to act.

🧩 What Happens After You Ask?

After you ask your questions, you use the answers to form your own opinion—about what parts of the bill are helpful, what parts are harmful, and what you believe would truly serve your child and your community.

You then take those conclusions and show up—to your school board, to community meetings, to conversations with local leaders—and express your thoughts out loud. Speak your concerns. Speak your admiration. Ask for more clarity. Suggest better ideas.

This is how democracy works.

The power isn’t just in your vote. Your power is in your ability to shape the conversation.
Asking questions, connecting the dots, and showing up with your own perspective is how you help create solutions that work—not just for some, but for everyone.

✊🏽 This is what it means to practice power. This is what it looks like to be heard.

• Build trust.

• Learn the facts.

• Make people aware that someone is paying attention.

• And start gaining confidence in your role as a local education advocate.

🛠️ How to Ask (Even If You’re Nervous)

• Keep it short and respectful: "Can you help me understand how SB2 will affect funding at our neighborhood school?"

• Be honest: “This is new to me, and I’m trying to learn.”

• Don’t worry about sounding smart—just sound real.

• Follow up. People get busy, and it shows you care.