Education is an investment not only in our children, but in the future of Colorado. Unfortunately, we have far too many students who have become trapped in failing or under-achieving schools. We spend nearly 40% of our general fund budget on K-12 education, yet only one in four students graduate fully prepared for college or the workforce.

As Governor, I will fight for the right of all Coloradans to have access to high-quality education. Expanding school choice is a critical component of this effort. Charter schools provide a low-cost, high-quality education that serves a more diverse student body than traditional public schools. These schools are at the forefront of education reform and have made tremendous strides in providing equal access to education for all children in Colorado. We must continue to drive for innovation in education that increases student achievement, while ensuring we have transparency and accountability for all teachers and schools.

In order to transform our system to one that prioritizes education, we must allow the money to follow the students, not the other way around. Expanding school choice and shifting our focus from schools to students can re-vitalize our education system and turn it into a model for the rest of the nation to follow.