National School Choice Week Congratulates Speaker John Boehner, Calls on Other Policymakers to Follow Boehner's Lead and Back Educational Choice

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- National School Choice Week organizers today congratulated Representative John Boehner of Ohio, who was sworn in this afternoon as the 53rd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Speaker Boehner has pledged to make school choice a central focus of his education agenda.

Speaker Boehner was one of the leading national policymakers to offer early support for National School Choice Week, January 23-29, 2011, filming a special message to school choice supporters about his participation. The video is accessible online at www.schoolchoiceweek.com.

Today, school choice leaders from across the country called on other elected officials—including newly-inaugurated governors, legislators, and local officials—to join Boehner in publicly backing school choice by proclaiming that "they're in" for National School Choice Week.

During the Week, tens of thousands of Americans will participate in special events planned by more than 150 organizations across the country. Several states—including Florida—have officially recognized National School Choice Week with proclamations.

"School choice is truly a bipartisan issue, and we hope that policymakers will take time this week to pledge their continued support for the cause of educational freedom," said Kyle Olson, executive director of National School Choice Week. "Just as Speaker Boehner has taken the lead in championing school choice, we hope all elected officials will start the New Year by affirming their support for empowering parents with effective educational options."

To sign up in support of school choice, to learn more about events in your area, or to sign up to participate, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com. You can also connect with National School Choice Week events on Facebook (www.facebook.com/schoolchoiceweek) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/schoolchoicewk).

SOURCE National School Choice Week