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In just a couple of days, more than 3,000 people had read his online post, dozens weighed in on Facebook and a Twitter debate ensued.

Everyone had an opinion about Rep. Carl Wimmer's idea to create a system in which people could sponsor failing students to attend different schools, including private schools, and get tax write-offs for doing so.

Wimmer, R-Herriman, said Wednesday afternoon he likely won't run the bill to create such a system, but the feedback has inspired him to create something else: an online group to discuss similar ideas in the future.

"I received so much good input from people with so many different ideas it would be negligent for me to move forward with an idea I came up with myself when there are so many good ideas out there," Wimmer said Wednesday.

Some of those who commented on Wimmer's idea, which he posted on Facebook early Tuesday morning, wondered whether changing schools would help struggling students and worried it could mean less money for public schools. On Twitter, some questioned whether he was trying to propose a school voucher program, though Wimmer said it would not be a voucher program because the money would come from donations, not government.

But mostly, those who commented on the Facebook page supported the idea. Some online posters called it a "wonderful idea" and a "step in the right direction."

Kory Holdaway, government relations director for the Utah Education Association, which fought school vouchers, said he was surprised to hear Wimmer was considering such sponsorships, "given the public's rejection of the voucher bill a couple years ago."

"I think the public would rather see the public education system better funded rather than giving money to private schools," Holdaway said.

Wimmer said his decision not to run the bill this session wasn't because of the criticisms. Instead, he said, he'd like to use social media such as Facebook and Twitter to get more ideas and generate more discussion.

He said he'd like to put together an online group of people who have diverse opinions and experiences to discuss educational innovation, including his idea and others. Wimmer said unlike other education groups and commissions, he envisions his group as locally driven. He said he'll likely try to put it together early next year.

"Most education commissions you see contain high-profile individuals, people who may or may not relate to the average, everyday person," Wimmer said. "This is going to be more of a citizens group and, quite frankly, it's going to be more locally directed."

Judi Clark, executive director of Parents for Choice in Education, which supported school vouchers in 2007, said she's excited to see discussion on ways to improve education.

"I think there are a lot of great ideas that are being worked on for the session and sessions in the future, and I think it's just really exciting to see lawmakers focusing on the individual needs of students rather than putting the emphasis on protecting the system for adults," Clark said.

Holdaway said he hopes Wimmer's online group includes a broad range of voices.