Other states are already considering similar proposals. Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidate Matt Salmon just called for a special session to allow families to take their children’s education dollars elsewhere if they disagree with their public school’s mask mandate. Last week, Tennessee’s speaker of the House supported the idea, and Arkansas legislators filed a bill that would empower families to choose.

This would be a win-win scenario for families. The main problem with the school-masking debate is that most families are stuck in a one-size-fits-all system. Funding students directly would empower families to choose education providers that fit with their own preferences, risk assessments and values. This is the only way forward without forcing one-size-fits-all mandates or bans on other people’s children.

Families should be able to take their children’s education funds elsewhere regardless of their school’s masking decision. The mask rule is just one of many reasons a child’s residentially assigned government-run school might not be the right fit. But these proposals would still be a step in the right direction.