Another take on this is the notion of private schools
specifically for disabled or disruptive students, that would
concentrate specifically on problems unique to those students.
Either way, the important thing is seeing that these children
have their problems dealt with and get as much education as
they are capable of absorbing.
Most posts on this thread show that there is concern for the problem that our schools, parents, and students are facing today. Marks comment is on cue when you consider the underlying factors in the "public-vs-private" school arena. But those comments are no more poignant than those of Dianes, who experiences first hand the problem in public schools: her child (presumably) attends school in his home district and the lack of funds is probably at the heart of the problem they are experiencing.
In the 2000-2001 school year the state spent $11,000 on each student in Minneapolis, according to the DCFL website. Where is all this money going?
If we're spending $2.75 million on a 250-student school, how can we be short
on cash? Do we have that much administrative fat in the Minneapolis Public Schools?
When she talks of the absurdity of giving more money to private schools to make
special needs children more attractive, we should listen with a clear ear to what is said.
She's entitled to her opinion, however if you reread my post that was not my
suggestion. I suggested private schools whose purpose was specifically to
deal with diasbled/troubled kids.
Does sending children to private schools, no doubt well away from their community, involve cost other than the incentives to the private school?? I think it will. And, we are not considering the extra burden on the parent(s) to have a child sent to a school away from their district. As you can see, the cost gets dearer at each juncture.
Why do you assume that such a school, catering to Minneapolis students,
would be located far away from the homes of its students? This is a questionable
assumption at best. Also, why do you assume vouchers for these kids would necessarily drain funds from the system? In Milwaukee and Cleveland, the amount of a voucher is far less than the percapita funding for a student remaining in the
district, so in fact the district gets money for nothing when a child gets a voucher.
More money for fewer students, really.
The problem needs immediate attention. Almost as much as we are giving our sports teams. The legislature has capitulated to the argument (???) that sports stadia makes economic sense, even to some who think that it is harmful in some way to "deprive" Americas youth of a team in town!!! What of education?? Which is more promising to Minnesotas youth??
You're coming out of left field with this question. Nowhere have I indicated any
support for spending tax money on a new ballpark for any sports team -- it's
one of the few points on which I agree with my opponent. Still less have I indicated
a preference for spending money on sports as opposed to education. I won't
even dignify this by calling it a nice try.
Cordially,
Kevin Trainor
RPM Candidate HD 61A
East Phillips
