A recent response to Mel Myler’s Jan. 8 column headlined “The importance of stopping the voucher bill” caught my attention.
It was to the point and well written. Unlike Myler, however, the writer was in favor of vouchers.
Having taught in public schools for 30 years, I became aware of two items that concerned me. One included in his letter, one absent.
The writer’s statement regarding the inclusion of students with disabilities in private schools seemed limited and vague. He need not be. May I suggest a review of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for a clearer picture, though it may explain why he was limited and vague. That said, it was the missing item that prompted this letter rather than a direct comment to the writer.
Often overlooked in the public versus private school debate is an economic reality. Vouchers, of themselves, are not sufficient for low-income families to afford private schools in most cases. To utilize public money to reinforce division between those who have necessary resources and those who do not reminds me of our new tax-cut legislation.
This educational division in our country is already evident at the college level. I do not believe it would be healthy to encourage it to a greater degree at the high school and elementary levels.
CHARLES STEPANEK
Concord