MFT supports reforms over school vouchers

To the editor:

I wish to comment on the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling concerning vouchers. The Missouri Federation of Teachers supports parents' rights to send their children to private or religious schools but strongly opposes the use of public funds to do so. Public funding of private or religious schools transfers precious tax dollars from public schools to institutions that have the right to choose the students they want and are accountable only to their boards. Public schools are essential to our democracy, are free and open to all children and are accountable to parents and taxpayers alike.

With 90 percent of our nation's children attending public schools, it would make sense to support proven reforms such as lowering class sizes and establishing firm discipline codes. Our nation's commitment to public education is long-standing, built on the principle of open and equal access to all children, not simply the privileged few.

Vouchers undercut our nation's pledge to provide a quality education to every child. The Missouri Federation of Teachers and School-Related Personnel will continue to oppose vouchers and will work toward the implementation of proven school reform for the betterment of every child.

RICHARD BATES

President

Missouri Federation of Teachers and School-Related Personnel

Jefferson City, Mo.