I read the column written by Brit Bell regarding the Education Tax Credit program with great interest, as I am a public school teacher in Manchester (Monitor Opinion, March 25). I was a little confused by her story as I have a lot of experience with special education and am not sure how a diagnosed sensory process disorder would keep her son from being eligible for an IEP. Either way, she felt like her son was not receiving the education he deserved in Manchester.
I think Bell has missed the point. She wants tax dollars to be diverted into a private school that would fit her needs better, which I understand, because I am also a parent.
But what about the rest of the kids whose needs are not being met by public school? Shouldn’t the state be spending that money to improve education for everyone? The city of Manchester needs to do their job and fund the school district appropriately.
Bell wants what is best for her child, and I applaud that. I want what is best for all of the students of Manchester. In order for the students of Manchester to get the education they deserve, we cannot divert more money away from the public schools into private schools. It’s not fair to the students of Manchester, who deserve the best education possible. A rising tide lifts all boats.
MEGAN KILAR
Concord