Students, parents, teachers, and community leaders plan to turn out in huge numbers in support of school choice at a capitol rally timed to coincide with National School Choice Week.

The event, planned for January 25 at 10:00 a.m., will feature comments by Governor Ricketts, students, and state senators, as well as student performances and resources for parents. More than 500 people are expected to attend the event at the State Capitol Rotunda, Warner Chamber.

The goal of the event is to spotlight the desire for more educational options in Nebraska. The celebration is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week (January 21-27, 2018), which will feature more than 32,000 events across the country.

“We hear a constant call from families across the state who face a financial burden in choosing the education best-suited for their child,” said Tom Venzor, executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference. “School Choice Week sheds light on the dire need for true educational opportunity in Nebraska.”

"School choice is a universal human right for parents. Until that right to choose includes all educational options for all families, regardless of race or income, our children are being denied the best choice for a high-quality education,” said Clarice Jackson, founder of LEARN Coalition.

Event planners include School Choice Lincoln, LEARN Coalition, Nebraska Catholic Conference, Americans for Prosperity, and Educate Nebraska.

Held every January, National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort designed to shine a positive spotlight on effective education options for every child. Through more than 32,000 independently planned events across the country, National School Choice Week raises public awareness of all types of educational choices available to children. These options include traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, online learning, private schools, and homeschooling.