LETTERS: SCHOOL-CHOICE OPTIONS

To the editor:

After reading the responses of various superintendents in last Sunday's Southeast Missourian, I have to wonder if they actually read House Bill 1037. Had they given the bill serious consideration, they would have had to notice the benefit the public schools and taxpayers would receive under this demonstration school-choice project.

The bill guarantees no loss of funding to the schools while at the same time allows a district's enrollment to decrease 4 percent at the kindergarten and ninth-grade level. One of the findings of the recently completed study by the Vision Planning Committee was the need to reduce the student-to-teacher ratio. Also cited was alternative schools, alternatives to local tax increases to finance our schools, back to basics, more discipline, increased parental involvement and a more responsive school board. This bill gives the board a chance to respond to the concerns of the community by offering its support of the legislation.

Particularly disturbing was the response of the Nell Holcomb School District superintendent. Currently the taxpayers of that district pay to the Jackson or Cape Girardeau schools approximately $4,000 per student to attend the high school of the student's choice. Under this bill, a student could opt for Notre Dame High School at a cost of approximately $2,500. That money would actually come from general revenue and actually be a net savings of $4,000 to the district.

While all the talk about money is important, totally ignored by the respondent was the benefit that the pupil would receive. If parents are given a choice of products at equal prices, they will naturally choose the highest quality, and isn't that what we all want from our education system?

Hearings on HB 1037 are tentatively scheduled for March 4-8. Local school boards and taxpayers still have a chance to have their voices heard by contacting state representatives.

KEN SCHAEFER

Cape Girardeau