Kim Byram, a Utah mother, has been at the forefront of the fight against bullying in public schools and advocating for education reform in her state. With the rise of bullying incidents in schools, and the need for better education opportunities for all students, Kim decided to take matters into her own hands and make a positive change. Through her experience with her son’s bullying, she saw the value in choosing alternative education options and became a strong advocate for Education Savings Accounts as part of the Utah Fits All movement.
Kim’s son, Callan, experienced bullying in his public school which led to anxiety and difficulties in his academic performance. After trying various solutions to address the issue, Kim and her husband decided to enroll Callan in a military academy. This decision proved to be extremely beneficial for Callan and his academic and personal growth. Kim learned that not all students fit within the traditional public school model, and she found a renewed passion in advocating for educational options to fit all students.
The Utah Fits All Movement is a coalition of parents, educators, and community leaders who believe that every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of income or ZIP code. The movement supports the use of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) as an alternative to traditional public school funding. ESAs provide parents with a portion of the state’s education funding to use for various educational options, such as private school tuition, online courses, tutoring, and more.
Kim is a leading advocate for ESAs in Utah and has testified in front of the state legislature in support of the legislation. She believes ESAs will give families more options to choose the best education for their children, which could lead to a decrease in bullying and an increase in academic achievement. Kim also believes that ESAs will empower parents and give them more control over their children’s education.
Bullying is a genuine issue in public schools, and one of the primary reasons parents choose alternative education options. ESAs give families the opportunity to choose an education environment that is safer and more conducive to their child’s success. With the ability to choose options such as private schools, online courses, and tutoring, students who face bullying can find a safe and supportive environment to learn and grow.
ESAs are still a relatively new concept, but they have gained support in Utah. In 2019, the Utah legislature passed a limited ESA program for students with special needs. The Utah Fits All Movement continues to push for expansion of the program to include all students. While there is still work to be done, the movement has gained significant momentum, and there is hope for further progress.
Kim Byron’s journey as an advocate for education reform is inspiring. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of providing quality education to all students, and the impact it can have on their academic and personal success. Education Savings Accounts provide families with more options and control over their children’s education and can be a valuable tool in preventing bullying. As the Utah Fits All Movement continues to gain support, we can hope for increased opportunities for students to thrive and succeed.
Watch the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/american-potential/id1661043438?i=1000608988517
