U.S. Senator Katie Britt: Every Child Deserves Access to a Quality Education, Regardless of Their Zip Code

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 11, 2024 – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) yesterday joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy’s (R-La.) Education Disruptor Roundtable to spotlight innovative leaders driving positive changes to the status quo in education. The roundtable included a panelist from Alabama, Ruben Morris, founder of the Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School (AAHS) located in Bessemer. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) also joined the conversation.

“I really believe that no child’s zip code should determine their opportunity, and the work you’re doing is making that a reality and also showing one size does not fit all. Parents and families know best, and they should be in control of their child’s education – whether that be through utilizing their local traditional public schools, a charter school, a public magnet school, a private school, a trade school, or other options that are available,” said Senator Britt.

“Prioritizing educational freedom nationwide would unlock the American Dream for millions of children, including in communities across the great state of Alabama,” continued the Senator. “I’ll continue to be a vocal advocate for educational freedom, that equips families to make important decisions to help their children achieve their full potential and secure a bright future.”

“I’d like to extend a special welcome to Mr. Morris, [an] Alabama native, from Birmingham . . . I know your passion probably [stemmed] from your time with Teach for America, but you came home, and we are so grateful you came home and you’re working so diligently to make a difference,” said Senator Britt. “Your establishment of the Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School in Bessemer that opened a little bit over two years ago is a gamechanger for that community, and I look forward to hearing more about it.”

“I know a number of you also have a presence in Alabama. We have a Cristo Rey Network school, the Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School, [which] opened in Birmingham in 2007. We have a microschool in Prattville, the Level Up School of Innovation, [which] is affiliated with KaiPod Learning. And . . .  VictoryXR has partnered with a number of colleges and universities in our state and does some really great work with Marengo County public schools. Mr. Grubb, thank you very much for what you’re doing there. Thank you [all] for the work you’re doing in Alabama and across the nation,” continued the Senator.

In addition to Ruben Morris, panelists included Kelby Woodard, President and CEO of Cristo Rey Network; Amar Kumar, Founder and CEO of KaiPod Learning; Steve Grubbs, CEO and Co-Founder of VictoryXR; and Heidi Vasiloff, Academic Executive Director of Great Hearts Nova.

BACKGROUND:

Since taking office, Senator Britt has been a strong advocate for every single child across Alabama and our nation to have the opportunity to unlock the American Dream through a high-quality education. When it comes to education, Senator Britt believes that one size does not fit all. Every family should be empowered to make the best possible choice for their child.

This roundtable comes as two-thirds of America’s fourth and eighth graders lack proficiency in reading. Alabama has been a leader in attempting to address some of these issues at the state level. In the wake of the Alabama Literacy Act, which was fully implemented in the 2023-2024 school year, the number of third graders in Alabama reading below the recommended level dropped from 17% to 9%. Alabama also continues to be one of the leading states in implementing the science of reading literacy resources for educators.

In addition to cosponsoring Senator Cassidy’s resolution designating September 2024 as National Literacy Month, Senator Britt is a cosponsor of the Educational Choice for Children Act.

Senator Britt is also cosponsor of Senator Tim Scott’s (R-S.C.) resolution designating January 21 through January 27, 2024, as National School Choice Week, and is a member of the School Choice Caucus.

Senator Britt’s remarks at the roundtable can be viewed here. 

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