Governor joins Senator Huff in Supporting School Choice Law

Sacramento — Governor Schwarzenegger joined Senator Bob Huff (R – Diamond Bar) today in supporting school choice by signing Senate Bill 680.  The legislation will extend the only authentic school choice law available to parents and students in California.

“I am truly thrilled by the Governor’s support today,” stated Senator Huff. “Today is a huge win for kids.”

Jointly authored by Senator Huff and Senator Romero (D – Los Angeles), District of Choice gives parents and students more quality public school options beyond their home district.  Traditionally, students are bound to one public school option that may or may not meet their individual needs.  But the District of Choice program creates new opportunities for students by breaking through district boundaries. 

“I’m not interested in arbitrary district lines someone sketched on a map,” continued Huff.  “I’m interested in giving all kids the best possible education.” 

The program not only gives kids new opportunities, but it also improves the overall education system by infusing competition into the schools.  When schools know that parents can seamlessly move from one district to another, schools ensure that they are meeting the needs of the students to maintain enrollment.

“No one holds schools more accountable than parents do,” said Huff.  “They just know better than anyone else what is best for their child.”

There are currently some 5,000 children depending on the District of Choice program and by opening it up to all of California, many more schools and students are expected to participate.  If the legislation was not approved, all participating students would have been obligated to leave their district of choice and forced to move to unfamiliar schools.

In addition to signing the bill, Governor Schwarzenegger has made the District of Choice program a key element in his recent education reform package to make California eligible for federal Race to the Top funds.


Senator Bob Huff serves as the Senate Republican Caucus Chair.  He represents portions of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties.  You can follow Senator Huff on Twitter @bobhuff99.