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Against Vouchers

By Joe Renna

This issue is about education and there is no mention of the private schools that serve Peterstown. Their omission is glaring, but deliberate. I believe comparing private and public schools is like comparing apples to oranges.

I am a product of private Catholic grammar and high schools. My two children are in second and third grades in a private school. My perspective on public education is not first-hand, and I hesitate to comment on it. As in every one of my opinion pieces, both sides of any controversial subject can be argued successfully from opposite perspectives. To me, there is no argument. Both have viable systems relevant to their needs. The controversy arises when the separation between the two is blurred by talk of vouchers.

The fact that it costs me a fee to send my daughters to private school is what makes it special and prompts me to make a decision.

Cost is only one of the factors in that decision. The religious education and selective community that I receive from private school weighs heavily in my decision. Academic standards, morals, values and administrative procedures are equally important. Not saying that public school lacks any of those items. I'm saying they are different. Not better or worse. My decision is based on my personal desire.
To remove issues from the decision process of sending children to private school dilutes the structure that defines the private school system. The choice will be watered down.

We will see the demise of traditional private schools as they lose market share to carpet bag operations. As for the public component, I won't even speculate about the size or complexity of the bureaucracy that would mushroom around the system. Some people stand to make tremendous amounts of money. The children on both sides of the voucher system stand to lose.

Public education is a worthwhile program. I believe we have a fantastic system in place. Of course it is not without faults. It's up to the municipality to supply its citizens with educational opportunities. Obviously some towns do it better than others, but right now all I'm concerned with is that the government is getting it done the best way it can. It's important for the community on so many levels. That is why it is mandatory to give every one the same opportunity no matter what their special needs may be. Private schools do not have to do this.

When faced with the complaint that parents who are paying for private school pay twice because they already pay taxes, I must challenge it. It is our duty as a civilized society to make sure each and every person has the same opportunity for an education. This should not be a choice, but sending a child to a private school should be.