Vouchers are not a threat
Regarding “How Gov. Greg Abbott plans to enact private school vouchers in Texas,” (Feb. 1): School vouchers are not about race or wealth or social agendas. Taxpayer money and parental choice are now at the heart of school vouchers. Unfortunately, our political leaders will insert any of the above items to suit their stance.
The Chronicle recently ran two articles concerning school vouchers, “Governor touts plan on school vouchers” and “Board shifts view against vouchers.” This coverage of school vouchers stresses the importance of getting it right.
School vouchers will not weaken or threaten Texas public schools. The plan simply means the money — the taxpayer parents’ money — will follow the student. The money part of this is simple. Having more money in the public system does not guarantee success.
The parent part of this is simple as well. Parents are accepting responsibility for their child’s education. Let these parents choose their child’s education. A school voucher, most likely, will not cover the cost all of these parents are willing to pay but it will help. We have a large and diverse student body. The 21st century student cannot be compared to the students of 50 years ago and one-size-fits-all is of the past. Beverly Petersen, Jersey Village
Gov. Greg Abbott is fond of saying, “Schools are for education, not indoctrination.” It would be more accurate to say, “Schools are for indoctrination if it matches my conservative views.” Why? This school year 1,091 private religious schools are in operation in Texas. It’s not a stretch to say that each of them has reserved a part of their day to reinforce, teach or practice their religious beliefs. Isn’t that the very definition of indoctrination?
Private schools have every right to indoctrinate their students with whatever beliefs they choose. That’s why they are private. The problem is when taxpayers are asked to pay for that indoctrination, religious or otherwise. Private schools do not owe the public transparency or accountability, and state government has little power to make them comply. On the other hand, public schools must do both as required by law.
If the governor truly believes indoctrination of any sort does not belong in public schools, he can encourage parents to contact their local public schools and express their views if they believe their child is being indoctrinated into something against their beliefs. Public schools are committed to educating every child who passes through their doors.
Education is the responsibility of state and local governments. To surrender that role to private schools in the form of any proposed state voucher because of supposed “indoctrination” is just wrong. Jane May, Friendswood