Funding for Nonpublic Schools
6. Do you support or oppose draining funds from public schools by providing vouchers for private or religious schools, including through the neo-voucher tax credit program proposed and defeated over the last eight years commonly referred to as BOAST?
_____ Support
_____ Oppose
7. Do you support or oppose continuing state aid for private and religious schools through the nonpublic school textbook, technology, and school constructions programs?
_____ Support
_____ Oppose
CHARTER SCHOOLS
15. MSEA supports charter schools that are under the control of local school boards, require making enrollment open to all students, are held to the identical high standards as traditional schools, and protect collective bargaining rights of employees hired at the school. Do you support or oppose MSEA’s policy statement with regards to charter schools?
_____ Support
_____ Oppose
Additional Comments:
I support a strong system of Charter Schools. I do not, however, look at charter schools or vouchers to be at odds with an excellent public school system.
I view charter schools as an adjunct to the public school system. Indeed, I believe that charter schools can relieve the public school system of having to be all things to all students. Exceptional students will thrive anywhere -- particularly in the excellent system of public schools in this county. The need is for students who have unique needs (language barriers, for example), and for students who are stuck in a school system that is not performing.