Private schools are fighting back against public school supporters seeking to convince the provincial government to stop funding private schools.
The B.C. School Trustees' Association passed a resolution to ask the Ministry of Education to redirect money spent on independent schools to the public education system at its annual general meeting April 23 to 25. The subject generated an hour-long debate and the vote was close, but the resolution carried.
Most private schools earn between 35 and 50 per cent of per student funding that public school students get. Tuition on top of that can vary from about $2,000 a year to $23,000.
In late March, the Federation of Independent School Associations sent its members an 11-point defence of funding to private schools, which typically call themselves independent schools. The letter says education offered by the independent sector is education for the public good and that governments providing money to the non-government sector is a common way to provide services for the public good.
"Obviously, over the long run, if we say nothing the pressure from one side will prevail…so yeah, we're pushing back," said Fred Herfst, executive director of the Federation of Independent School Associations Monday.
The Federation represents 285 independent schools in B.C., enrolling 64,000 students-92 per cent
via www2.canada.com
Of course the BC School Trustees want to eliminate the Independent Schools…it means more students for them and more power with less competition. This is not about improving public education….since the increase in student load would offset any increase in funding – in fact the Tax payers would have to pay more, since they will be paying 100% for the students that are currently funded at only 35% or 50%. We would have to increase taxes just to keep the current per student funding levels.
This is another attempt to undermine parent choice. Sadly, education is not a ‘one size its all’ venture. Students thrive in different environments and parents are in the best position to make decisions for their children.
It is a basic injustice that parents who pay 100% of their taxes are forced to accept 35% or 50% funding for choosing the school that is best for their children. Now this ill-conceived move attempts to remove even that partial funding.
A far better solution is to give all parents equal choice by providing equal funding so that all parents can choose the schools that best serve their children. We are all tax paying British Columbians and all want the best for both our childen and the Province…..why are some more privileged than others by this unfair discrimination in Governement funding.