Reply to New York Times on the miracles of Universal Pre-K in DC

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Reply to "New York Times on the miracles of Universal Pre-K in DC"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I am PP who would like to use her education funds as I see fit. Just give me a tax credit for what would have been spent on my DS for PK3 to help me work less and stay home with him instead of sending him to a school that can't handle the kids there now. How is that taking away from the greater good? I pay way more in-- so keep the rest and just give me what would have been spent on him so I can have a choice in how he is cared for. [/quote]

You just don't get it. Taxes are not user fees. There isn't enough money in the pot if only those who use the service pay for it (at current tax rates). If everybody in the community chips in, costs for the individual who actually uses the service are lower. That is the idea behind any public funding. It is fair because you have the OPTION of using the service. You don't want Pre-K to get public funding, and you are entitled to that position, but you need to be aware that that's what you are asking when you want to get a "tax break" for your son's unused spot.[/quote]

Actually, (and I'm someone who has no problem paying property taxes, which fund schools) OP does not necessarily have the option of using the service, unless she is lucky enough to lottery in. I'm not aware of many schools who have openings for PS3 or PK4 and you aren't guaranteed a spot, even at your in-bounds school, until Kindergarten.

I don't think tax vouchers are a suitable answer (I first raised them earlier, facetiously) but I don't like universal pre-K. Pre-K for at risk kids, sure. But then you start allowing all income levels, on the theory that a rising tide lifts all boats and the smarter kids and involved parents will help the others without parental input, and you start to create a one-size-fits all option that families are expected to take up. Parents like the PP, who do not want the services, can't find something part time. There are even some proponents of mandatory preschool. Imagine that! You say "never" but remember that up until recently, K was part time, optional, and considered preparation for first grade. Now, that's what we see Pre-K as, and already, PS3 attendance of some kind is all but expected. Woe be the kid who enters PK4 with no prior school experience - he  / she is going to have a tough time. [/quote]

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