System of public schools put at risk

For about 200 years, public schools have done a creditable job of educating students. There has been a place for private schools and parochial schools. Is there really a need for charter schools?

When it was clearly realized that public schools in areas with a large minority population were not being treated equally, busing was implemented. Parents also found the means to leave urban public schools or move to the suburbs.

Dissatisfied parents also can enroll their children in charter schools, which are really private schools, but without tuition. The Dayton Public School District has lost 5,000 students to these schools. But this is only the beginning, unless public schools, teachers and unions make major changes.

Charter schools are going to use the Internet to attract more students.

Many parents would like to home-school, but realize they are not capable. Charters will offer home-schooling with the student using the Internet at home for classes two or three days a week and attending classes two or three days a week.

This allows the charter to teach twice as many students without increasing the number of teachers.

The economics of this procedure could destroy public schools as we know them. Public schools, teachers and teachers’ unions have a limited time to demonstrate to parents that public schools are best.

Harvey R. Tuck

Harrison Twp.