Last week, Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) reiterated his long-time support for Georgia students through his fight to expand educational opportunities to all families.
His comments drew the typical, misleading statements from certain parts of the education establishment that continues to fight for control and the status quo rather than what’s best for children (“Rogers’ remarks on vouchers draw ire” July 13).
Contrary to statements made by Cherokee School Board member Mike Chapman, leading research consistently shows that private school choice recipients make strong academic gains in comparison with their public school counterparts. Furthermore, research shows that these programs actually improve public school performance. Such advantages overwhelmingly benefit the low-income students enrolled in the vast majority of scholarship programs across the country.
We commend Rogers and all who are working to expand school choice in Georgia and improve education for all students.
Patrick Kaiser
Senior Manager
Center for an Educated Georgia at Georgia Family Council
First, they opened a door, for those who couldn't afford a private education, a way to escape the hell that is public education for so many students. No offense Ms. Jenna68, but you need to look just a little bit farther than Cherokee county (in general) or your own school (specifically) before you determine the effectiveness of public education.
Second, the SSO's gave a slight opportunity for individual tax dollars to follow a child of the choosing of that specific taxpayer. I know this is foreign to those who have the "Tax & Spend" mindset, but it isn't the government's money, after all. They didn't work for it or earn it -- they took it. Ultimately, it belongs to the taxpayer, and the taxpayer should be allowed some say-so in where it goes.
Finally, before you bleet with righteous indignation, "that's right, your tax dollars can fund private schools that teach students a religion you don't believe in and may have real concerns with", I suggest you take a stroll (unannounced, if possible)through a local high school during a class change. Or, perhaps, attend a Friday night football game at a local school and hang out near the student section. After such a visit, what you hear and see, I dare say, may cause you to gladly donate ALL YOUR money in support of a faith-based school. Regarding the future of this country, there is nothing so discouraging as to make either one or the both of those visits. And guess what -- your tax dollars are funding it.