SCHOOLS: Brought on their budget woes

Was due diligence done for the editorial “Legislature, do your duty?”

While you are probably correct that schools only have three choices (four-day week, larger classrooms, closing some schools), have you looked at the root of the problem?

True, enrollment is dwindling. But why is that? My opinion is many people have become disgusted with the public school system. Whether it’s bullying, ostracizing, bad programs, lack of decent curriculum, absence of the old P.E. and shop classes, etc., taxpaying people have moved their children out of the public school system.

For the same reason, bonds cannot be passed. You cannot get a two-thirds vote from people who disagree on how schools are being run. These people are already paying twice to have their children educated.  

The legislature is considering basically a voucher system to allow school choice because they know their constituents have already bailed out of the public school system and want tax relief.

No matter what formula is used, enrollment just is not there. We would probably be better off choosing one of the three choices to make up the $6 million deficit.

Many choose private and/or religious schools because they don’t face the same mandates or scrutiny that public schools face; this is exactly why many chose those schools. Students are getting what parents feel is a better education. 

Leave HB 447 alone. Instead, figure out why people are spending money to send their children elsewhere. Your idea is to throw more money at the problem instead of reforming what is being taught and how it is being taught. Really not a great solution.    

PAUL GRAHAM

Post Falls