Our nation's commitment is to provide a quality education to every child to serve the public common good. Accordingly, we must shift the paradigm to think of education funding as investments made in individual children, not in institutions or buildings.

The quote “Our nation's commitment is to provide a quality education to every child to serve the public common good. Accordingly, we must shift the paradigm to think of education funding as investments made in individual children, not in institutions or buildings.” by Betsy DeVos emphasizes a child-centered approach to education policy. DeVos argues that the ultimate goal of education is to serve the public good, which can only be achieved if resources are directed toward the students themselves, rather than being tied up in the maintenance of institutions or infrastructure.

By calling for a shift in the paradigm, DeVos highlights her belief in school choice and individualized educational investment. She suggests that funding should follow the child—whether they attend public schools, private schools, or alternative educational programs. This reflects her view that education is not about preserving traditional systems, but about ensuring that each child receives the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

The origin of this perspective lies in DeVos’s tenure as U.S. Secretary of Education under the Trump administration, where she championed charter schools, vouchers, and policies that expanded school choice. Her philosophy was shaped by a belief that empowering families to choose the best education for their children would foster competition, improve quality, and better serve the diverse needs of students, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all institutional model.

In essence, DeVos’s quote frames education funding as an investment in children rather than in systems. While her views have been controversial, they underscore an important debate about whether the future of education should prioritize strengthening institutions or directly empowering students and families. Her words invite reflection on how resources can best be used to serve the common good by preparing children for productive and meaningful lives.