SCCFFPS Proposes Resolution on School Funding

One of the ways that the opponents of public education seek to undermine our schools is to divert public money away from our local schools through voucher, tax credit and open enrollment schemes. SCCFFPS has asked each school board in St. Charles County to adopt the following resolution:

{ ______ } School District

WHEREAS, public schools are the cornerstone of a democratic society, providing equal opportunities for education to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, or ability; and

WHEREAS, vouchers, tax credits and open enrollment policies divert critical resources and funding away from public schools, undermining their ability to serve the needs of all students and maintain educational standards; and

WHEREAS, vouchers, tax credits and open enrollment policies promote market-driven competition among schools, which can exacerbate inequalities and lead to a two-tiered system that disproportionately benefits privileged students while neglecting disadvantaged and marginalized communities; and

WHEREAS, vouchers, tax credits and open enrollment policies have been shown to contribute to increased segregation in schools, perpetuating racial and socioeconomic disparities and hindering efforts to achieve educational equity and social integration; and

WHEREAS, public schools are accountable to the community and are required to adhere to established standards, regulations, and oversight mechanisms, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in the use of public funds; and

WHEREAS, vouchers, tax credits and open enrollment policies often lack adequate accountability measures, allowing private schools that receive public funds to operate with less scrutiny and oversight, potentially compromising the quality and inclusivity of education; and

WHEREAS, St. Charles County is a thriving community maintaining high property values and low crime rates in large part because of our excellent public schools. The defunding of our schools would devastate their ability to deliver a high-quality education to every student.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the ______ School District opposes the diversion of public money from public schools through vouchers, tax credits and open enrollment policies, and urges legislators, policymakers, and educational stakeholders to prioritize and strengthen the public education system by:

  1. Investing in and adequately funding public schools to increase teacher salaries and to ensure that all students have access to quality education and necessary resources;
  2. Implementing strategies that promote equity, inclusivity, and diversity within public schools, such as targeted interventions and support systems for disadvantaged students;
  3. Encouraging collaboration and resource-sharing among public schools to ensure the equitable distribution of resources and expertise;
  4. Enhancing transparency and accountability mechanisms in public schools to maintain public trust and ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars;
  5. Promoting evidence-based reforms and practices that have been proven to enhance student achievement and support academic success;
  6. Engaging parents, educators, and community members in decision-making processes to foster ownership and collective responsibility for public education;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be distributed to each member of the St. Charles County legislative delegation, urging them to take action to oppose vouchers, tax credits and open enrollment policies and to preserve and strengthen the public education system for the benefit of all students and the well-being of our community.

 

Released September 2023

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