Two Kids from Morningside Middle School: James Dickey and Kyev Tatum Unite for Universal School Choice.

 

Two Kids from Morningside Middle School: James Dickey and Kyev Tatum Unite for Universal School Choice. Black Texans, Inc.

In 1977-78, James Dickey and Kyev Tatum were two sixth graders navigating the halls of Morningside Middle School in Fort Worth, Texas, during a transformative period in American education. Under the leadership of Mr. Robert T. McDaniel, a former Tuskegee Airman and member of the 477th Bombardment Group, the school served as a beacon of excellence amidst the challenges of integration.

This was the era of the “great integration experiment,” when the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) sought to bridge racial divides by sending white students to predominantly Black schools in underserved communities like Morningside Middle School, located in ZIP code 76104. For both James Dickey and Kyev Tatum, this unique educational environment shaped their perspectives on leadership, education, and community service.

Now, decades later, these two men stand on opposite ends of the political spectrum—Dickey as a Republican and Tatum as a Democrat. Yet, in a remarkable display of bipartisanship, they have joined forces to champion universal school choice in the 89th Legislative Session in Austin, Texas. Their partnership underscores the importance of addressing one of the most pressing issues in modern education: ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality learning opportunities.

The Case for Universal School Choice

Universal school choice allows parents to decide where their children are educated, whether in public, private, charter, or homeschool settings, with state funds following the student. While often a politically charged topic, universal school choice is gaining bipartisan support as a solution to systemic educational inequities. Here’s why it’s vital for Republicans and Democrats to unite behind this initiative:

1. Promoting Educational Equity

ZIP code 76104, where Morningside Middle School is located, has long faced educational disparities tied to its socioeconomic challenges. Universal school choice empowers parents in underserved communities to seek quality education for their children, regardless of income or address. For Republicans, this aligns with principles of free-market competition; for Democrats, it advances social justice by breaking cycles of poverty.

2. Encouraging Innovation and Competition

School choice fosters innovation by encouraging schools to compete for enrollment. Public schools that face competition from private or charter schools are incentivized to improve their offerings. This competition aligns with Republican values of efficiency and innovation while providing Democrats with an avenue to push for reforms that prioritize student outcomes.

3. Addressing the Learning Gap

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing learning gaps, particularly for minority and low-income students. School choice offers immediate pathways for families to seek better options if their current schools are underperforming. This is a shared priority for both parties as they work to address the long-term impacts of the pandemic on education.

4. Empowering Parents

Both Republicans and Democrats recognize the importance of parental involvement in education. School choice amplifies parental agency, allowing them to choose the best fit for their child’s unique needs. This resonates with Republican ideals of individual freedom and responsibility while aligning with Democratic goals of inclusive decision-making.

5. Reducing Bureaucratic Barriers

Universal school choice reduces the reliance on a one-size-fits-all public school system, which can be bogged down by bureaucracy. Instead, it prioritizes student needs and redirects resources to schools that deliver results. This appeals to Republicans’ desire for streamlined governance and Democrats’ focus on student-centered policies.

A Shared Vision for the Future

James Dickey and Kyev Tatum’s collaboration on this issue is a testament to the transformative power of their shared experiences at Morningside Middle School under Mr. McDaniel’s leadership. It also reflects the critical need for bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing education today.

Their partnership sends a clear message: the success of future generations cannot be a partisan issue. By championing universal school choice, Dickey and Tatum are advocating for a future where every child has access to the tools they need to succeed, just as they did at Morningside Middle School.

In an era of political polarization, their unified approach serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful change is possible when leaders put the needs of children above politics. As Texas legislators deliberate on universal school choice in the 89th Legislative Session, Dickey and Tatum’s partnership stands as an inspiring example of how bipartisan efforts can lead to transformative outcomes in education.