An Op-ed from EdChoice.

The children of Puerto Rico need a massive K-12 education overhaul, and they need it now. They need a transparent system of school funding where dollars follow children, and they need more options, whether those options are public, charter or private.

Their future success depends on it.

Unfortunately, far too many students are attending schools that don’t adequately meet their needs. Simply put, the Puerto Rican education system has left far too many students and families behind. The hurricane made that crisis even worse. It’s unfair, and we have to do better.

Fortunately, we can.

Puerto Rico can break the cycle by embracing school funding reform and educational choice. They can ensure that all children receive adequate funding that follows them to different types of schools, making quality schooling more available to everyone, not just those with means.

When it comes to educational options, we believe that families know what works best for their kids, and we want to empower them to find the educational fit that makes sense. That could be a private school, a charter school, a traditional public school, an online school or another option.

That is what the Governor is trying to do with his education plan–overhaul a broken system so that children have access to a better education starting right now.

Contrary to common mythology, expanding educational opportunity does not come at the expense of teachers; in fact, a robust school choice environment means educators can innovate and find new ways to reach and teach students.

School choice also makes financial sense. National and state-level research has shown that vouchers, tax-credit scholarships and other choice programs can save taxpayer dollars and promote efficiency. When families are in charge of the funding set aside for their students, they are empowered to choose–and satisfied with the results.

We know that Puerto Rico faces a long recovery ahead, and the future may hold difficult decisions. School choice shouldn’t be one of them. It should be common sense to break down historical barriers that have kept students from accessing schooling options that work for them.

We are hopeful that Puerto Rico will take this opportunity to embrace educational choice as a new way of life and a pathway to future success for all of its students.

*The author is President and CEO of EdChoice.