Private education also strives for the Common Good

In my role as president of Xavier High School (and as of July 1, Xavier Catholic Schools), I interact often with state legislators. And quite honestly, truly I enjoy this part of my job. Even if I may disagree with their position on issues, I’ve found over the years we can generally “agree to disagree.” I respect greatly what they do (for not much pay!) on behalf of Iowans.

However, recently I had an encounter with a local state legislator that left me disheartened. Quite honestly, the encounter made me sad. I was told exactly these words when discussing Catholic education in Cedar Rapids and Marion with this individual:

“Catholic school and private school are not for the common good.”

I was very much taken aback by that statement. Given Catholic schools in not only Cedar Rapids and Marion, but also statewide educate our youth at exceptional levels, provide numerous quality jobs and save taxpayers a considerable amount of money at the state and local levels, I thought it was a given that at a minimum we could agree Catholic schools are “for the common good.” Nope. Not in the eyes of this local state legislator.

Representing Pre-K-12 Catholic education in Cedar Rapids and Marion, it goes without saying my primary advocacy is for our schools. But if I care about the local communities in which our schools are housed, you know what else I want? I want strong public schools too.

As a resident of Cedar Rapids, I’ve been following the Cedar Rapids Community School District and its recent efforts to craft a facilities plan for local public schools. I very much support those efforts. I hope for the sake of the children in Cedar Rapids, an agreeable plan is developed between residents and the district. Students in the CRCSD deserve to have facilities that give them the best opportunity to succeed throughout their educational journey and experience. I believe this is for the common good.

In Marion, I watched recently as PPEL funding was recently extended for both the Marion Independent District and Linn-Mar schools. I’m pleased students in those districts will receive security upgrades to their buildings, have technology upgraded for learning and new buses will be purchased for safer travel. I believe this is for the common good.

In Cedar Rapids, Marion and across the state, public and private schools should thrive. Regardless of which path a family may choose to go educationally, every student should have the opportunity to develop, grow and learn to their fullest potential. Related, parents should have maximum opportunity to choose an education that best serves their child’s unique needs — public or private. This is for the common good.

There is room for both public and private education to be great. And not only is there room for both to be great that, in and of itself, is for the good of society.

Or, as some might say, it’s for the common good.

Chris McCarville is president of Xavier High School.