Oppose Vouchers Example
I am writing in regard to my strong opposition to H.B.
2465 (vouchers.) I was truly appalled that Dr. Friedman described
elementary and secondary schooling in the United States as a disgrace and
referred to public schools as “government socialist schools”. Apparently,
he has not reviewed the achievement data of the students attending public
schools in Texas. As an educator with 29 years experience, I am insulted
that he would characterize our public education system in such a callous
manner. He is literally promoting a competitive private enterprise
marketplace for profit, rather than promoting a quality public system for
all.
I would definitely encourage you to contact the schools
in your legislative districts and ask the superintendents if vouchers will
increase their competitive nature. I would also suggest that you ask if the
high-income suburban areas, with homogenous student bodies, are the only
schools that are providing quality education. I would like to reference the
fact that Galena Park ISD, east of Houston, was the largest exemplary
district in the state. The demographics of that district are far removed
from the “suburban, homogenous, white collar” picture describe by Dr.
Friedman. I wonder how many of those parents are using the public school
district as a “tax shelter”, instead of paying private school tuition. I
must also reference the fact that 89% of all 3rd graders in Texas
passed the new TAKS test! Contrary to Dr. Friedman’s philosophy, public
schools in Texas are meeting the needs of all children; therefore, private
schools are not a threat to our public schools in terms of quality
education, the threat is the diluting of our revenue for education.
More than 35 voucher opponents were able to attend the
meeting and testify on behalf of public education. Those 35 people
represented thousands and thousands of supporters of public education across
the state of Texas. The 60 that spoke in favor of vouchers represented that
small, small percent of parents that become dissatisfied with the local
schools for reasons having little or nothing to do with the quality of the
education. Their stories are emotional caveats that portray one side of the
story. I am sure the many attempts by the district to appease their
complaints were never mentioned. No organization can satisfy 100% of their
clients, 100% of the time. Sometimes it is human nature to focus on the 1%
to 2% that can never be satisfied, rather than the 98%-99% that truly
appreciate the educational program provided for their children. I would ask
that you recognize the silent majority!
Private schools should remain an option for parents,
and most have scholarships available for “qualifying” students. Please note
that those scholarships are never provided for special education students,
slow learners or ADHD students. A fellow Rotarian commented there were 4
types of students: those who want to learn and are capable of learning;
those who are capable of learning and don’t want to learn; those who are not
capable of learning and want to learn and those who are not capable of
learning and don’t want to learn. Texas must continue to accept the
responsibility for educating all types of students, never supporting a
system that has the right to be selective!
The Coalition for Public Schools is comprised of
education, child advocacy, community and religious organizations
representing more than 3,000,000 members in Texas. This organization was
founded in 1995 to oppose expenditure of public funds to support private and
religious schools through mechanisms such as tuition vouchers, franchise tax
credits, and property tax credits. This Coalition believes public tax
dollars should be spent only to improve neighborhood public schools, which
serve more than 94% of all Texas children. Supporters and members of this
organization are constituents residing in every legislative district in this
state.
Texas has made tremendous progress in achieving high
academic standards for all children. The state accountability system has
now been duplicated at a federal level. This accomplishment was made by our
public schools, not private! Please do NOT support vouchers in our state.
Respectfully yours,
Mary Ann Whiteker
Superintendent
TAMS President |
