Letter: Public schools essential to democracy

Public school education is essential to a democracy. ESAs (Educational Savings Accounts), charter schools and voucher programs analyzed in several states have undermined public education by diverting taxpayer money to private schools or citizens without the same accountability for standards required of public schools. Diluting taxpayer money to support parallel education systems does not seem to be a conscientious use of funds.

These taxpayer-funded programs have bankrupted school districts, compromised educational standards and reduced property values; in some states, rural and poor districts subsidize urban/suburban private schools. These programs need strict accountability for the same academic and enrollment requirements as their public school counterparts or they should not receive public funding.

Public school education is our moral responsibility as citizens of a democracy. We task public school educators to empower our youth with the tools to be informed, participating citizens in diverse communities. We want students equipped to question and challenge leaders and journalists. At no time in our democracy has this been more critical.

Learning to live with diverse groups is a strength of democracy. Public schools bring together youth and families from vastly different economic, social and cultural backgrounds, differences which often segregate them within a community. Ideally, public school experience models living with diversity. Charter schools, ESA's and voucher programs can potentially segregate students into homogeneous, disparate groups based on religion, income, race, mental or physical ability, without rigorous accountability for quality programs or instruction.

Mary Coan

Dubuque