Reform must include faith-based schools Posted on September 2nd
In connection with your Aug. 22 editorial, “Sen. Meeks’ opportunity,” real educational reform in Illinois would also include a substantial increase in support to non-public schools, mostly faith-based, that now educate about 10 percent of Illinois’ children.
For years, non-public schools have provided superior education to Illinois’ children at far less cost than public and charter schools, and have been financed entirely by parents themselves, along with contributions of associated churches. Taxpayers have obviously benefited over this time. If we accept the premise that parents are the primary educators of their children, and are best able to determine which school will best educate their children, then they should be able to choose a non-public school without large personal sacrifice.
Current state support is meager: up to a $500 state income tax credit for fees and tuition, and some assistance for textbooks and transportation. Increasing this support through these or other programs utilized in the neighboring states of Wisconsin and Ohio, in effect treating non-public schools as partners in education along with public and charter schools, will insure that non-public schools continue to provide superior education at far less expense to taxpayers and a higher level of education to Illinois’ children.
Trackback URL