DC Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee has been an outspoken advocate for school reform – often angering teachers unions along the way. She’s come under fire for firing underperforming teachers – a move likely to be repeated again soon according to the Washington Examiner – and her latest announcement is likely to antagonize entrenched interests even further. As the Washington Times reports, Rhee hopes to expand the use of school voucher programs for special education students.

As part of her reform package, Miss Rhee is considering using publicly funded vouchers for special-needs students whose parents opt out of the system and enroll their children in private schools. Miss Rhee also wants to build new facilities, provide high-caliber services and reduce the city’s reliance on private schools for special-needs youths.