Advantages of a Public Education

By Doug Park

Proposition 38 would authorize the use of vouchers to publicly finance a private education. This is not the best deal available.

Generally, school vouchers are advocated as a "solution" to the problem of poorly performing schools. The issues regarding separation of church and state, or the potential for racist or bigoted private schools, are mentioned as tangential issues. However, the most damage to education is likely to come from the diversion of public funds to questionable private programs.

The following advantages to a public education are seldom discussed in the arguments over vouchers:

• Cost - parents need to realize that a voucher will not pay the full cost of a private school. I have contacted several private schools and have learned that most schools charge $6,000 or more per year, not including books and supplies. With vouchers only providing $4,000 per year, most parents would still be liable for the difference.

• Profit - most private schools need to operate for a profit. As a parent, I would be concerned that the "bottom line" would be more important to a private school administrator than my child's education.

• Safety - only public schools have the legal requirement and ability to conduct full criminal background checks on all staff. Parents will not have this guarantee with a private school.

• Qualified Teachers - only public schools have the legal requirement to employ only certified teachers.

• Qualified Administrators - only public schools have the legal requirement to employ certified principals and administrators.

• Staff Resources - few private schools have the resources to employ full time counselors, reading advisors, tutors, curriculum advisors and other consultants that support the education program.

• Locations - public schools, especially in Natomas, are conveniently located for most people. This cannot be said for private and religious schools. I know many parents who spend many hours each day commuting between their home, their child's private school and work.

• Curriculum Standards - only public schools will have the benefit of a statewide effort to develop education standards for all subjects at all grade levels.

• Curriculum Integration - few private schools operate an integrated curriculum and philosophy across all grades, K - 12. As the Natomas district matures, I foresee greater integration of the curriculum throughout all the grades.

• Curriculum Breadth - few private schools have several school sites located in close proximity to each other, or enough students, to offer a wide range of courses accessible to all students. Natomas will be able to offer many different educational opportunities not available in a private setting. The collaboration between Natomas and the Los Rios Community College District is an example of education innovation not likely to be available in a private setting.

• Public Board and Meetings - public schools governance structure is required by law to be an open process, which must allow for public participation and comment. Private schools do not have this requirement.

• Elected Board - the school board is an elected legislative body, responsible to everyone in the District. Board members can be recalled or replaced by the voters at the next election. Anyone meeting citizenship and residency requirements may seek election to the board. Private schools have no such requirements.

• Equality - private schools will not have to accept your voucher if they do not have space, or if your child has a learning deficiency or a disability.