State vouchers are costing public schools a fortune
By Lily Epstein, Grade 8
“Palm Beach County School District (PBCSD) lost more than 5,500 students in just one year.”(Matt Lincoln, paragraph 2). JMS isn’t the only school going through this; it’s a district problem. State vouchers are not benefiting public schools (including JMS) by providing funding to parents who intend to send their kids to private school.
When students switch to private schools, less funding is allocated to public schools. With less funding, schools may need to cut teachers. JMS can relate to this with the loss of our teachers, like Ms. Eldakkak and Ms. Slone. Teachers aren’t just being excessed; they are losing friends, routines, and plans. With these amazing teachers leaving, this not only affects them but also affects students. Losing a teacher you trust can change your schedule and make your days at school worse.
Private schools don’t offer the same programs and education that public schools do. Public schools also offer a variety of choice programs that can help lead students to find the career they love. Public schools also offer a better education for students with disabilities and behavioral problems. Here at JMS, our special needs programs offer an A-rated education and teachers who care.
“The vouchers now give families about $8,000 per student to use for private school tuition or homeschooling expenses.”(Matt Lincoln, paragraph 7) Although this boost in money can help support parents who would consider private schools, public schools are free and offer support to all. This loss of students hurts the community and the fun learning environments that public schools have to offer.
