Tax Money, Vouchers, and Private Schools

Here in NC, there's quite a debate going on as the race for the Governor's Mansion nears an end.  The commercials say that McCrory is hurting public schools by supporting private school vouchers.  As a father with a 6 month old little girl, I'm very interested in how this issue will resolve.

Years ago, I met some friends who had felt the public schools in their community did not do a good job educating their children.  They decided to start a christian school that would not only allow for the teaching of biblical doctrine to their children, but would also pursue education with excellence.  As many people know, sending a child to a private school isn't always about the religious aspects - many times it's because of the quality of education.

Over the years, these friends have been faithful to send their children to the school they helped found, and they continued to pay taxes to fund schools they did not use.  Is this right?  The public school systems, in the mid nineties, realized they needed to make changes for more school choice and started creating magnet and charter schools.  These are definitely good starts, but the issue at hand is this - should some of the money a family pays in taxes to fund schools their kids do not use be refunded so they can send their child to the school of their choice.

The commercials say that the vouchers could take as much as $900 Million from the school systems in NC.  I'm sure that would make it even more difficult for educators, especially considering teachers I know already suffer from low incomes, lack of technology in the classroom and lack of additional, needed resources.

But, here's my thoughts.  One day, I want to have the economic freedom to send my child to a good, Christian school.  I do not support everything the public school system requires to be taught, and would like to have the choice.  Since economics play such a large role in that choice, I believe vouchers would be a great idea.  Why should I be forced to use the public school system because of my economic status?  I do understand how this will negatively impact the budgets for the public schools, but perhaps that would force even more reform in our schools, including more inclusion from local businesses, offering both monetary and technical training support.

This may certainly inflame some friends.  And, in reality, I'm sure there's a lot to the issue I don't understand yet.  I'm sure I will in the coming years, when Emily and I prepare to send our daughter to school!