Miguel Cardona: Tax dollars that flow to choice schools take away critical funds for public education

In a special op-ed for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Secretary of Education takes a strong stand for public schools.

Public education is one of the most powerful engines driving the American Dream. From our nation’s astronauts to artists, scientists to writers, engineers to musicians — countless young Americans have discovered their incredible potential in our public schools.

But for as long as public schools have been pillars of our communities and cornerstones of our democracy, there have also been people seeking to undermine them. Attacks on public education have reached a fever pitch in recent years. We face a choice between two visions for public education: one that’s ambitious and inclusive, and one that that divides and leaves students behind.

To understand how these two contrasting visions for public education play out in our country, look no further than Wisconsin.

First, there’s a profoundly hopeful vision: one where a local public school is tightly woven in the fabric of its community.

In this vision, students get the quality core instruction they need to excel academically, teachers are well qualified and supported in their professional development, and every child’s mental health and social and emotional development is supported.

But in the Badger State, as in several other states, there is another, competing vision and reality: one where inadequate state funding for public schools has forced communities to raise their own property taxes to keep schools afloat and lights on. This is, in part, thanks to an extensive school voucher system – the first of its kind in the United States – where public money foots bills for private schools, often with little oversight or accountability for school performance.

Read the complete op-ed here.

Miguel Cardona: Tax dollars that flow to choice schools take away critical funds for public education

Network for Public Education