Why oh Why?
I was thinking the other day about this and I wanted to see if your guys opinions would match mine. So please respond!
I attend the Christian School of York and unfortunately we struggle financially. We don’t have the most updated equipment, technology and sports equipment as many of public schools do. We don’t have a lot of sports teams, or as many elective classes as we like. I think also that our teacher’s salaries are at the bottom end of the scale of their profession. But yet, year after year we find a way to get by. This is by Gods grace only. I ask myself, should private schools be able to receive tax dollars? Technically, my parents pay school taxes to Central instead of Christian School of York. Even though, neither I nor my brother attend there. Why can’t your tax dollars go to whatever school your children attend? It doesn’t seem necessary for my parents to pay for Central when I don’t even go there. It makes no sense at all. My school is struggling and I'm sure many private schools across the state do as well. I know since I attend a Christian school there has to be a difference between religion and state. But, the parents choose where they want to send their kids. I believe parents should also decide where they wish to send their school tax dollars. It's not like we’re making all of the Central School district parents send their tax dollars to The Christian School of York. Only those parents who send their kids to CSY should be able to send their tax dollars there as well. Here is one more point. Wouldn't it be nice to see your parent’s tax dollars at work at your school of choice? Agree or disagree..... Please give me your thoughts.
Abby · March 16, 2008 8:37 PM
Corinne, I agree with you on many elements, but, trust me when I say government is a very complicated thing. I also attended private school and watched my parents pump their money into a public school I didn't even attend for nine years. In that aspect, it makes sense that your parents send their money where you go. Unfortunately, public education is funded on tax dollars, and schools could crumble without those dollars. Some politicians favor "vouchers," which would ultimately let you spend your money at the school of your choice. This could also devalue public education while private institutions and the "better" school districts prosper. It's important to remember that the government provides you with an educational outlet (public schooling), and, if you chose something else, you must make the sacrifice (i.e. the tuition). Also, that money may be worth it in the end if you believe private education is worth the price.
So, in response, I understand your thought process, but unfortunately, it's just not as simple as that!
Dylan · March 17, 2008 5:42 PM
If am right, and I believe that I am, the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution prohibts federal funding to schools such as yours. For more information on this, research the Supreme Court case Lemon v. Kurtzman
http://www.oyez.org/cases/1970-1979/1970/1970_89/
There is no a legal way that you could "pay taxes" to CSY. That's why you have a tuition cost.
Everyone that resides in the school district, whether they have children attending or not, pays those taxes.
It's your family's choice to opt for a (as you say, poorly-funded) private school rather than the local public school.
I disagree with Abby. I don't understand your thought process.
Abby · March 18, 2008 6:36 AM
Did you ever attend private school, Dylan? You might feel a bit differently if you had.
Dylan · March 18, 2008 12:49 PM
No I haven't.
My point is that no one is required to attend a private school, so anyone who attends one is doing so be their choice. If it's poorly-funded, and that's a problem, don't go there. There are plenty of people in every school district who pay school taxes and never had any children attend that that public school. Just because you chose not to attend a public school doesn't mean you shouldn't pay the taxes to live there.
Corinne · March 18, 2008 5:14 PM
I disagree with you Dylan, I do not understand your thought process
Dylan · March 18, 2008 9:52 PM
A nice attempt at cleverness, but my thought process is based on the Constitution.
Abby · March 19, 2008 2:20 PM
Haha, and it's Dylan with the burn...
Kathy · March 27, 2008 6:39 PM
Actually, the Constitution says that any item not discussed in the Constitution should be left up to the states. Education is not in the Constitution and should be a state issue. This doesn't have anything to do with religion. Having said that, I don't necessarily mind that we pay taxes for public schools. Schooling everyone benefits society and not everyone has parents that can pay for a private school. However, public schools spend way too much money. They have too many niceties, too much of everything. The "extras" should be paid for by students' families or booster clubs, etc, and not by everyone in the community. We can't afford it, it makes us angry, and none of that is good for society. However, since public schools have no competition, they can just spend and spend. They believe that throwing money at everything will solve all problems.
Dylan · March 28, 2008 10:29 AM
Read the establishment clause, and read the Lemon case. Yes the 10th Amendment leaves much to the states, and education is one subject that is left to the states. However, the clause and case both set precedent for an issue such as this. Public funding of the school is clearly in violation of the clause. CSY's mission statement is this : CSY exists to provide an educational program that is biblically sound, Christ-honoring, and of high standards.