My Why: Tonya's School Choice Story

Tonya Jones, Director of Implementation and Operations, shares why she supports school choice for all Alabama families.

Knowledge is power. “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” - Frederick Douglass.  

I grew up in rural Alabama (Escambia County). My mother and father did the best they could to offer us the best opportunities growing up. My mother was an avid reader. She was forever attached to a book. I always wondered how she could read so many books and so quickly. Soon after, I was enjoying the transformation into new experiences, times and places through reading. 

But not all in the family were reading or even attempting to read. I soon noticed there was a difference in how my parents managed our schoolwork. My dad was never present to read or sign report cards, read incoming mail or anything at all. My mother confirmed that he never learned to read. My reality was that my father, one of the smartest humans that I know, could not read. He was a resource of car knowledge for the community and was doing it without ever reading.

My heart felt for him and the isolation he must have felt as part of an ever-changing technological society and not being able to keep up. Though he was not an educated man, that did not stop him from wanting more for his children.

My sister and I attended the local public school, and my brother attended the private school in the area. Though different, each gave us what we needed to be successful.

My choice adventure began with my own children moving them from private to public after settling in a better school district. It has continued over the last 25 years as I assisted students and parents through administering private school vouchers, private and charter school staff support, and my roles within scholarship granting organizations starting in 2013. 

There are many options available for Alabama’s K-12 students. As a part of the AOSF staff, I encourage, inspire, and empower parents to make knowledgeable decisions about the educational future of their students.  Knowledge is power.  Everyone deserves it. That is why I do what I do.