unionmom said:Because they have opted out of the public school system and that includes all aspects of it. Period. As long as the system is as it is, no vouchers or some similar program, it is an all or nothing proposition. If you decide that your child is better off out of the public school system you are making a decision after weighing all pros and cons. You don't get to have your cake and eat it too.
unionmom said:You guys keep going back to the money point yet many of you refuse to address the childless taxpayer aspect.
My opinion is based on the situation as it is. Since childless taxpayers do still pay taxes towards the school, the money aspect of the argument is moot. Also, the programs at school that this discussion was started about are not constitutionally guaranteed items so I don't see them as being a guarantee to any child, home school or not. There are some schools in this county that offer more activity options than other schools do. That means their students have more choices, more "extras" than other school students do. Should the kids from the other schools be permitted to come over to participate? No.
I have repeatedly stated that I feel that parents make the home school or private school choice as a result of weighing the pros and cons. The extracurricular activities that may or may not be available are part of the pros/cons.
And how is it that I am assumed to have some hostility towards home schoolers or private schoolers because of my opinion on this matter? That's a rather large, and incorrect, leap. Some of my good friends home school their kids. It is a decision they have made for them and I have the utmost respect for them. Too many parents don't care enough about their child's education or aren't willing to make the sacrifices needed to accommodate the changes they want to see for their child.
Up until this point I have enjoyed the spirited discussion on the topic but now that the tone has taken the turn that it has, I believe I will leave this as my last post on the matter. Folks don't always agree. It's ok when we don't.
Foxmeister said:As far as the money goes, parents should be able to take the school portion of their property taxes to pay for the education of their children whether it's home school or private school. Why should they have to pay for their children's education using those avenues and continue to help fund those students in public school?
Madea said:Foxmeister said:As far as the money goes, parents should be able to take the school portion of their property taxes to pay for the education of their children whether it's home school or private school. Why should they have to pay for their children's education using those avenues and continue to help fund those students in public school?
I snipped part of your comments for clarity. Okay, but if you do that, how do you justify taking money from folks with NO children in school to help pay for those who are in public school? Don't you think they are going to say they want to decide how to spend their money as well??
Madea said:Foxmeister said:As far as the money goes, parents should be able to take the school portion of their property taxes to pay for the education of their children whether it's home school or private school. Why should they have to pay for their children's education using those avenues and continue to help fund those students in public school?
I snipped part of your comments for clarity. Okay, but if you do that, how do you justify taking money from folks with NO children in school to help pay for those who are in public school? Don't you think they are going to say they want to decide how to spend their money as well??
Winchester said:Madea said:Foxmeister said:As far as the money goes, parents should be able to take the school portion of their property taxes to pay for the education of their children whether it's home school or private school. Why should they have to pay for their children's education using those avenues and continue to help fund those students in public school?
I snipped part of your comments for clarity. Okay, but if you do that, how do you justify taking money from folks with NO children in school to help pay for those who are in public school? Don't you think they are going to say they want to decide how to spend their money as well??
I agree! But IF the the system only charged those who had children, per child, their property taxes would be over $10,000 per year. The last I heard, it costs the County an average of $5700 per child, per year.
But I have never had kids. I have never placed a burden on the school system. If vouchers are allowed, I want my vouchers to spend it like I want!
Madea said:Foxmeister said:As far as the money goes, parents should be able to take the school portion of their property taxes to pay for the education of their children whether it's home school or private school. Why should they have to pay for their children's education using those avenues and continue to help fund those students in public school?
I snipped part of your comments for clarity. Okay, but if you do that, how do you justify taking money from folks with NO children in school to help pay for those who are in public school? Don't you think they are going to say they want to decide how to spend their money as well??