Learn more about vouchers
Text 
No comments [ Add Comment ]By Amy K. Stewart
Standard-Examiner staff
T
he Standard-Examiner asked a series of questions to head spokeswomen of the main organizations representing either side of the school voucher proposal:
* Leah Barker, Parents for Choice in Education (pro-voucher); and
* Lisa Johnson, Utahns for Public Schools (anti-voucher).
Q: How should I vote on the voucher proposal, and why?
A: Barker: Vote yes.
First, if the students transfer, the school counts them as enrolled for five years. This will decrease class sizes and increase overall per-pupil funding.
Second, parents will have the ability to ensure their kids are in an academic setting that works for them. It is unreasonable to expect one generally homogenous system to meet the needs of over 500,000 students.
Third, a lot of kids in our public school system are not getting their needs met. They need an option today.
A: Johnson: Vote no.
The voucher proposal is flawed. It means giving public money to private schools that lack proper accountability. Private schools don't have standards for curriculum, attendance or accreditation. They are not required to report test scores publicly.
Private schools can set admissions standards. They can refuse to admit kids who have special needs, who don't speak English or who are of a low socioeconomic level.
Q: Some people worry vouchers will benefit only the rich and will further segregation. Comment.
A: Barker: Parents who understand that education will make a difference for their kids are willing to sacrifice and give what it takes. I've seen it first-hand. Some people don't understand a parent's drive for their children's education.
Utah schools are already some of the most segregated in the nation. They are segregated by economics. The voucher program would improve this. The rich are already where they want their kids to attend public schools. A $500 voucher isn't incentive to drive them to a different school. They are exactly where they want to be.
A: Johnson: While vouchers would pay a low-income family $3,000 per child to go to private school, the parents would have to make up the difference. Also, parents have to supply their own transportation. Further, there is the cost of textbooks and uniforms. Some private schools charge more for special education. There are no guarantees the student living in poverty would have access to free or reduced lunch.
And if we are trying to help poor children, why is the voucher program giving $500 to children in wealthy families?
Q: Where is your organization getting its funding?
A: Barker: Our funding comes from in-state and out-of-state donors and philanthropists, all of whom share one common goal: that children have access to a quality education.
One in-state donor is Patrick Byrne with Overstock.com.
An out-of-state donor is Alliance for School Choice, based in Washington, D.C. It is a national organization that supports vouchers.
A: Johnson: We have gotten hundreds of small donations -- some even $5, $10 or $25 -- from in and out of state. It is from local people concerned with public education but also teachers all over the country. The largest donations come from the National Education Association, and their funding comes from small donations from educators nationwide.
However you look at it, our funding comes from small donations that really add up.
Q: Part of the voucher debate is how many private schools there are in the state and where they are located. Is the voucher proposal fair to all Utahns?
A: Barker: Yes, it is fair. There are 130 private schools in the state. The private schools are located where 90 percent of the population lives.
Once the bill passes, supply and demand will follow. More private schools could open.
A: Johnson: No, it is not fair. Taxpayers all over the state pay for vouchers whether they live near a private school or not.
It disregards the needs of people living outside the Wasatch Front.
