El Paso County proclaims National School Choice Week; Parents Challenge honored

The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a proclamation recognizing National School Choice Week, Jan. 25–Jan. 31, 2026. Vice Chair Lauren Nelson read the proclamation on behalf of the board and members signed the document, which the board approved 5–0.

The proclamation praises the availability of educational options — including public, charter, private, online and homeschool programs — and urges citizens to recognize school choice’s role in supporting families and local workforce development.

Guests from Parents Challenge spoke after the reading. Deborah Hendrix told commissioners the organization’s School Choice Fair drew about 1,000 attendees and 80 vendors, aimed at helping families, particularly low‑income households, navigate choices. "There's so many that, but just helping families to know that those options are available is fantastic," Hendrix said. Another representative, identified in the record as Mr. Schuck, said Parents Challenge has helped more than 4,000 children access schooling their parents selected.

Commissioners offered personal reflections on school choice. Commissioner Holly Williams recounted family experience and thanked advocates; Vice Chair Lauren Nelson described her background on a local school board and said the proclamation affirms parental freedom and local control.

The board voted to adopt the proclamation, then paused for a photograph before continuing the agenda.

Ending: The board returned to business after the recess and moved to the next agenda item.