Raleigh — Darrell Allison, former head of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, begins work this week as national director for state teams and political strategy for the American Federation for Children (AFC), a national group that “promotes sound, sustainable school choice policies nationwide that empower parents to choose the school best suited to their child’s needs,” according to Allison’s announcement of the move.
Current U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos helped found the Washington, D.C.-based AFC and also served as its chairperson. Since taking federal office, DeVos ended her formal relationship with the organization but spoke at its annual convention in May.
Allison helped found PEFNC advocating for the 2013 establishment of the statewide Opportunity Scholarships program, the Children with Disabilities Scholarship Grant and the Special Needs Education Savings Account. The programs offer state-funded help for parents who have children with disabilities or are seeking an alternative to their base school. Allison currently on the UNC Board of Governors, the governing body of the University of North Carolina system.