If action isn't taken immediately, these new schools will continue to be built without guidelines to protect children against chemical exposures.

They say they will move away or [allow their children to] transfer [to private schools] if the referendum does not pass.

I can tell you one thing - my children will not spend one day in Barbour County schools.

Because of this legislation, parents will not be forced to split their children between different schools. This bill ensures that the vast improvement in education at 21st Century can continue into the future.

This positive endeavor will benefit our children enrolled in the local schools and provide a safety enhancement for our citizens. We are very excited to be a part of this program and believe it will be a great asset to our community.

The new program for children in failing schools will be the largest statewide school choice program in the nation. The creation of that program plus the expansion of two others illustrates that states with the greatest experience with school choice are the most likely to expand it.