Grand Canyon Times

State Policy Network (SPN) has announced the appointment of Jenny Clark, founder of Love Your School, as an Education Fellow in 2025. Jenny Clark is recognized for her advocacy in school choice and support for parents navigating educational options.

Jane McEnaney, SPN’s Director of Education Policy Initiatives, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment: "Jenny has been a valued partner to the Network for years, and we’re thrilled to formally welcome her to SPN. As a mother and former Arizona State Board of Education member, her firsthand experience with ESAs uniquely qualifies her to offer best practices to advocates and policymakers."

Clark's personal experiences as a mother seeking suitable educational opportunities for her children led her to engage deeply with Arizona’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program. Despite the availability of school choice programs, she encountered challenges in accessing them efficiently. This inspired her to establish Love Your School in 2019 to assist other parents facing similar hurdles.

Her efforts gained momentum after Arizona's ESA program faced setbacks from a ballot initiative in 2018. "Arizona’s first attempt at a universal ESA failed, and it made me realize that we needed to mobilize parents," Clark said. Her organization provides guidance on applying for ESA programs and managing education funds.

The expansion of education choice programs across states has increased since the pandemic, with more states adopting universal ESAs. However, effective implementation remains crucial for these initiatives' success. Jenny Clark's work with SPN affiliates aims to ensure that these programs are accessible and beneficial for families nationwide.

Clark plans to highlight parent challenges through a series of papers during her fellowship at SPN. She emphasizes the importance of effective ESA implementation: "As part of my fellowship with SPN, I’m hoping to bring more attention to how important ESA implementation is and specifically the concerns of parents."

With new universal programs launched in Idaho, Wyoming, and Tennessee in 2025, Clark's collaboration with SPN is expected to play a vital role in enhancing educational access for families.

"The pressure is on because of the Nation’s Report Card showing that students still continue to fall behind years after the pandemic," Clark noted. "This is our moment to turn this around for the sake of our future."

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