The Lure of Better Schools

It is heartening that at a time when public education is under vociferous attack, private school pupils are returning to public schools in greater numbers.

One major reason is the reduction of first-grade classes to 20 students in nearly all of Orange County’s 24 public school districts, a development stemming from a state funding program. Another reason is the financial burden of maintaining children in private schools, which, teachers and administrators point out, usually have 30 or more students per class.

Gov. Pete Wilson announced his plan for smaller classes in July, and the initiative drew a wide and enthusiastic response. However, some school districts are concerned. Having hired more teachers and built new classrooms, they fear it will be difficult for them to find the money needed to keep the smaller classes operating. But for now, the shift of students back from private schools has been a pleasant change for many schools.

Harbor View Elementary School in Huntington Beach this year received 40 transfers from private schools, more than three times last year’s number. A parent of a new Harbor View student said the smaller class and the school’s closeness to home were the motivations for the transfer.

In a period when some people are promoting the dismantling of public education, it is good to remember that most members of the community recognize the importance of public schools to society. Yes, many schools have problems. Yes, scores on standardized tests should be higher. But the way to success is to improve the public schools, not tear them down. It is clear that more learning will be possible when there are smaller classes and thus less competition for the teachers’ time and attention.

Wilson said he wanted the smaller classes in order to improve reading and math scores. The program started with first and second grades and is supposed to expand to kindergarten and third-grade classes as well. But last week state officials said they did not have enough money to pay for all the new classrooms needed. The initial money provided for smaller classes was $200 million; an additional $95 million has been earmarked. But more is needed.

The state Legislature should help by putting a bond measure before the voters to raise funds for this program, so popular throughout the state. As the Orange County transfers show, people are willing to support public education if they think it is doing a good job. Residents deserve no less, since it is their taxes that keep the schools going.