Don is a parent of two and an education freedom advocate in Louisiana whose passion comes from personal experience. He attended both public and private schools growing up, including a Catholic high school and a public high school, and saw clear differences in expectations, academic rigor, and long-term outcomes.
In many Louisiana communities, families who have the financial means often choose Catholic or other private schools not only for a faith-based education, but because they believe their children will receive a stronger academic foundation. Don’s own experience confirmed that belief.
He attended a Catholic high school while his children’s mother attended a nearby public high school less than a mile away. It was a tale of two cities. Despite their proximity, their educational experiences were dramatically different. The academic expectations, study habits, and preparation Don received helped him score substantially higher on the ACT, which opened doors to scholarships and acceptance into LSU. Although she was enrolled in honors classes at her public school, she scored significantly lower on the ACT and was not accepted into the same university.
The differences went beyond test scores. The discipline and study habits Don developed in high school prepared him well for college, allowing him to graduate with honors in three and a half years. In contrast, his children’s mother struggled with the transition, and it ultimately took her much longer to complete a bachelor’s degree. That contrast reinforced how impactful K–12 education can be on a student’s trajectory.
When they later had children of their own, Don and his family wanted them to have the same opportunities he had. However, like many Louisiana families, they could not afford private school tuition. They were forced to send their children to public school based solely on finances, not preference. Unfortunately, their daughter experienced ongoing bullying, and despite repeated efforts, the school administration did not adequately address the situation. Instead of improving, the problems worsened as the school year went on. The family felt stuck, knowing there were better options, but unable to afford them.
Everything changed when they qualified for a school choice scholarship. That opportunity allowed them to enroll their daughter in a Catholic school, and the impact was immediate. She moved into a smaller environment where teachers were engaged, discipline was consistent, and expectations were higher. Initially, Don worried that the smaller school would lack enrichment opportunities due to fewer resources. The opposite proved true.
She gained access to more sports, activities, and leadership opportunities than were available at her previous public school. Most importantly, she began thriving academically, socially, and spiritually.
What surprised Don most was learning that her Catholic school was receiving roughly half the per-student funding compared to local public schools. Despite fewer dollars, the school delivered a stronger educational experience for his daughter. That realization motivated him to become more involved and advocate for education freedom. If the system can spend significantly more per student in a setting that is not working for some families, why not empower parents with a portion of those funds to choose an option that better meets their child’s needs? To him, it was common sense.
Today, his daughter is thriving—challenged academically, supported emotionally, and grounded in their faith. Her transformation solidified Don’s commitment to ensuring other families have the same opportunity. Every child deserves access to an education that fits their needs, regardless of income or ZIP code. His advocacy is driven by one simple belief: parents, not systems, should have the power to choose the best path for their children’s future.
