Informed Opinions on Today’s Topics : Initiative on Vouchers for Private Schools

Gov. Pete Wilson has called a statewide special election for Nov. 2 in which voters will consider a sweeping school choice initiative. The measure would provide families with up to $2,500 of public school funds to help pay tuition at private or parochial schools. If it passes, California would become the first state to take tax money from public schools and allow it to be spent for private tuition.

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Do you support or oppose the school voucher ballot initiative?

Grace Foster, member, advisory board, 31st District Parent Teacher Student District Assn.

“We’re opposed because we believe public monies should go for public education. We’re firmly committed to public education because of what it has meant to this country and what it means to democracy and freedom. They say parents will have a choice. Parents can choose to apply to private schools but the schools choose (which students they accept). There isn’t that much space in private schools. If private schools want to receive public funding, they can’t discriminate on the basis of race or national origin. But they can discriminate on just aboutevery other basis.”

Roberta Weintraub, school board member, District 6

“I’m studying the ballot proposal right now. I have some very serious reservations about taking money away from the public school system which is already strapped. I also have reservations about it because of constitutionality. I’ve been in politics long enough to know that initiatives get passed and then they’re found to be unconstitutional. My tendency right now is to lean to not support it based on what it would do to the public school system. I have a real fear that if it passes, you will have almost no support for the public school system.”

Carolyn Ellner, dean, Cal State Northridge School of Education

“I don’t think the initiative really achieves what its proponents say it will. It’s supposed to give an opportunity to all children to make a choice about their schools. But the amount of money that would go to each child in the form of a voucher is not going to pay the cost of a private education. . . . If the initiative passes, there may be entrepreneurs who promise a certain kind of education they are not able to give. People can be misled over the quality of education their children will be getting. I think the consumer has to be protected and you can do more of that in the public school system.”

Howard Wang, founding director, Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth

“Anything that creates a more accountable environment for any school is a positive thing. Any time we can empower parents, we should do that. I’m always amused that we look at (choice) as such a rash idea. But when students leave 12th grade and go on to college, they have an open marketplace. The foundation we provide in the early years is much more important than what takes place beyond high school. The proposal has many positives and a change is needed.”

Bernie Shaw, administrator, West Valley Christian schools

“I think the voucher system is a good system for giving parents choice in education. When you have competition, it causes improvement in all areas. I don’t think it will hurt public schools. There aren’t enough private schools in the Los Angeles area to handle all the kids that might want to come. It will be several years before there’s any significant dent in the population of the L. A. Unified School District. . . . It’s very important that the private schools are accredited and meet certain standards. Once you have those and you maintain them, you can take kids who use vouchers.”