Each of the 50 states, and the District of Columbia have chosen to "guarantee" all children within their borders a K-12 education. Hence, although "education" is not a fundamental right, it is a created right, and must be provided at the expense of the state, and is available to all.
But what about those parents and children who, for whatever reason, choose not to avail themselves of the "free" education that the state provides? Presumably, they pay for that "free" education through their taxes (directly or indirectly, if they are renters). But, regardless...
Let us say that the State pays $15,000 to educate each child, on average, and that $5,000 of that is capital expense (buildings, fixtures, utilities, etc), and $10,000 is actual cash outlays. Should parents who opt out get a refund of all, or a portion of, that, say, $10,000?
Obviously, removing One (1) child from the State education system will not save the State any money, but significant numbers of children removed SHOULD result in measurable savings that could be refunded. The fact that public entities are too inefficient and lackadaisical to reduce their costs according should not be a factor in the discussion. Nor should teachers' unions whining about "taking money from the system."
It's time. If parents choose to enroll their kids in "certified" alternative schools, thus saving the State the cost of educating them, then the imputed savings - up to a reasonable maximum - should be given to the parents in the form of a tuition voucher for each child. Home schoolers are out of luck, but the vouchers should be usable at any private or parochial school that provides a compliant education.
But what about those parents and children who, for whatever reason, choose not to avail themselves of the "free" education that the state provides? Presumably, they pay for that "free" education through their taxes (directly or indirectly, if they are renters). But, regardless...
Let us say that the State pays $15,000 to educate each child, on average, and that $5,000 of that is capital expense (buildings, fixtures, utilities, etc), and $10,000 is actual cash outlays. Should parents who opt out get a refund of all, or a portion of, that, say, $10,000?
Obviously, removing One (1) child from the State education system will not save the State any money, but significant numbers of children removed SHOULD result in measurable savings that could be refunded. The fact that public entities are too inefficient and lackadaisical to reduce their costs according should not be a factor in the discussion. Nor should teachers' unions whining about "taking money from the system."
It's time. If parents choose to enroll their kids in "certified" alternative schools, thus saving the State the cost of educating them, then the imputed savings - up to a reasonable maximum - should be given to the parents in the form of a tuition voucher for each child. Home schoolers are out of luck, but the vouchers should be usable at any private or parochial school that provides a compliant education.
