Last of two parts
My dear friends,
One of the most frequently cited concerns regarding Gov. Jeb Bush's “opportunity scholarships” is that they will “destroy” our public schools. Opponents of these vouchers envision droves of students literally fleeing from public to private schools, leaving only the worst-performing students behind, or forcing public schools to shut down entirely in some neighborhoods.
A quick check of enrollment statistics reveals this scenario as far-fetched. The Catholic Church operates the largest private school system in Florida (and indeed in the nation). But enrollment in all of Florida's Catholic schools totals about 90,000, compared to more than 350,000 for public schools in Dade County alone.
Even if we wanted to accommodate all those “fleeing” public school students, we couldn't. Most Catholic schools are operating at full capacity, and the vast majority have waiting lists. Only our struggling inner-city schools, which are located in both Dade and Broward counties, could accommodate a large influx of new students — certainly as many as 900, according to Brother Richard DeMaria, CFC, archdiocesan superintendent of schools.
So the numbers just don't add up. Neither does the claim that opportunity scholarships will enrich private schools while impoverishing public schools. State education funds actually belong to the children, not to the public schools. This money already follows students whenever they transfer between public schools. Opportunity scholarships will merely enable the money to follow them to private schools, as well.
Moreoever, if the tuition at the private school is less than what the state is spending on the child — as is usually the case — the remaining funds stay at the public school, reducing class size and freeing up resources for the children who choose to stay.
A corollary to this argument contends that vouchers will enable the best and brightest to flee to private schools, leaving only the worst performers behind and guaranteeing that public schools will continue to fail.
The fact is that, in most cases, the best and brightest are happy in the public schools, because they are succeeding. They have less to gain by transferring, and indeed much to lose, since few private or parochial schools can match what the public schools spend on extracurricular activities, electives, or facilities such as gyms, science and computer labs.
Of course, regardless of how their children perform in school, many parents choose a Catholic education because of their deep faith commitment. Often, however, those who seek alternatives to public schools are the parents whose children are failing academically, and those who are worried that they are falling prey to negative influences. These parents seek out our parochial schools precisely because they want their children to learn in an environment that fosters discipline, morality, self-respect, love for God and service to others.
As to the charge that private schools provide safe harbor for racists, I can speak only for our parochial school system — a system that is parish-based. Our schools reflect the ethnic make-up of the neighborhoods that are located within the parish boundaries. That alone — not racial segregation — explains why St. Mary's Cathedral School has a mostly Haitian student body while St. John the Apostle's in Hialeah is completely Hispanic.
Taken as a whole, however, our schools are among the most racially integrated in the nation, because they reflect the variety of languages, ethnic groups and cultures that flourish in our archdiocese.
A final concern, one voiced by many of our Catholic parents, is that vouchers will permit state interference in our schools, forcing us to lower admission standards or stop teaching religion.
Such fears are groundless. Catholic schools already are subject to the regulations of the state and accrediting agencies. We must teach a certain core curriculum; we must be in session for a specific number of days; our teachers must be certified; our buildings and play areas must comply with health and building codes.
We have no problem with that. We understand that we must be accountable, and that the state must ensure that its funds are properly spent. But that does not mean that we will compromise our religious identity. Opportunity scholarships do not require us to do so, and we would not be faithful to our calling if we did.
Moreover, our teaching of religion has never caused conflicts, even in inner-city schools where the vast majority of students are non-Catholic. We do not proselytize or expect non-Catholics to convert. Parents in these schools seek us out precisely because they want us to instill certain core values in their children, values that people of all faiths hold dear.
I urge all people of good will, who want the best for their children, not to fall prey to these groundless fears, but to view this issue as one of trust. No one knows a child better than the parent. No one cares for a child more deeply. It is time we trusted all parents, regardless of income, to make the choices that are best for their children's education.