So what is the net public/societal benefit of these vouchers? There’s no evidence that it increases the quality of education for those who attend private schools. On average public schools generally do just as well as public, when adjusted for income demographics. The net impacts of these vouchers will be to - defund public schools - defund obligations that public schools must address, such as special needs - allow parents to culturally segregate their children - give tax breaks to wealthy parents who don’t otherwise need it. I think diverting tax payer dollars to private schools is disgusting. Why should I pay my tax dollars to send their kids to learn about Jesus, or hob knob with other country club brats? It’s reverse welfare.
They want it to be a for profit system where businesses can use it to enrich themselves and at the same time push a more religious curriculum. If they had their way we would also create our laws around what the Koran...er Bible says is law.
From Scott Maxwell (love this guy's non partisan stances) Certainly many families will use this money precisely as intended. But some can also seek out some cut-rate voucher school, like the ones the Sentinel has found operating out of run-down strip malls, just so that they have extra voucher money left over for theme park tickets and TVs. For years, Florida politicians used the mantra of “accountability” to beat the snot out of public schools, demanding published test scores and detailed accounting of every dollar spent. With voucher schools, there is neither. That suggests the accountability push wasn’t really about guaranteeing a child’s education — or that taxpayers’ money is being spent wisely — but really just part of a campaign to smear public schools. After all, if accountability was truly the goal, why wouldn’t voucher schools also have to prove they’re actually educating kids and account for every tax dollar spent? Whether it’s for a genuinely qualified teacher. Or for a kayak.
