Voucher Plan for Schools

William Robertson’s commentary (“Standing Still Won’t Save the Schools,” June 3) was as misdirected as the public school system itself. He complains that a school voucher program would take revenue away from the public schools. The goal, lest it should be forgotten, is to effectively educate children--not to maximize revenue to public schools. If project LEARN is L.A. Unified’s best effort at quality education, then I hope it works. But I won’t gamble my children’s future on Robertson’s promises. As a parent, I have an obligation to provide my children with a sound education. Let me select a quality school, public or private, with a voucher.

JOHN SAMIERE

Los Angeles

Your editorial (May 30) on the voucher plan for students is out of touch with reality. You just don’t get it, do you! You don’t even remember the fables, especially the one about the little shepherd boy crying, “wolf.” You say give LEARN a chance--another cry for “wolf.” I say give the parents the power of the dollar and you will see reform. Don’t use silly arguments intended to scare and promote fear and not challenge the people to rise up and use their own power for themselves. Don’t blast private schools by untrue arguments that they won’t take on all students. Also let principals run the schools they oversee.

I say to the people of California, “Voucher Power to the People.” Citizens be in control of your children’s education. With this vote we can get the state healthy again.

MSGR. ROGER A. LECHNER

Pastor, Holy Spirit Parish

San Diego

As the parent of a 10-year-old enrolled in a private school, I could not in good conscience vote for a system that would provide me with funds toward her $7,000 tuition at the expense of children attending the public schools. This initiative would be disastrous for the Los Angeles school district, the quality of which must be a concern of us all. Additionally, mediocre private schools would be started solely to take advantage of these vouchers. If parents choose private education, they should not expect the state to pick up the tab.

SUZANNE LEVY

Sherman Oaks