Whatever the political hue of the legislators involved, this is just wrong. Orleans Parish needs better representation in state government and must fight for decisionmaking by people who care about education. Does the state think “the problem of New Orleans” will disappear by worsening our schools system? And, how can we blame our kids for turning to lives of crime when those responsible for keeping them in decent schools are criminals themselves? THIS is the reason New Orleans is Murder Capital of America 2006, and probably 2007, too.
Committee kills N.O. voucher bill
… Bill 623 by Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, would have steered money from a state education fund to pay for tuition at private schools for students in lower-income families who would otherwise be assigned to a public school classified as a failing institution. The Archdiocese of New Orleans supported the bill and was prepared to accept 5,000 children into its schools to accommodate the program.
The bill was opposed by teacher unions, the state association for school boards and public school officials from several jurisdictions. Before voting on the bill, the committee amended the measure to require the participating private schools to submit to standard state testing requirements. The panel voted 9-7 to kill the bill.
Opposed by teacher unions and public school officials from where in Lousiana? Also, which members of the Louisiana School Boards Association voted to kill this bill? We demand their explanation.
I’m glad it was shot down. There’s much more to this story than you know. Vouchers aren’t a solution…they may be a band-aid, but in the long run they will do more harm than good.
Just my two cents.
Maitri,
Vouchers are not the answer. High quality public schools accessable to every child is the answer.
Vouchers are a way to move money out of public schools and are dangerous to the greater good.
Just say no to market driven public education!
So, you’re going to sacrifice the education of current public school kids until the system miraculously turns higher in quality?
The point is to keep money away from the public school administration. We don’t like the NOPS folks, remember?
As long as the private and public schools fight over money at the expense of kids, the problem will not be solved.