The Editor,
Re. “Sheltering private schools while undermining public” (Opinion, The Tri-City News, July 6).
In The Tri-City News’ editorial, an opinion is expressed to eliminate a parent’s choice of schooling under the guise of unfair tax breaks — i.e., public versus private.
Choice of schooling made by certain parents can be in response to a better product being offered, and the elimination of tax breaks would not reverse the trend where parents opt for private or home schooling.
Contrary to the poll referred to in the editorial that reportedly showed British Columbians don’t support tax money going to private schools, this seems to conflict with increasing enrolment at private schools.
But if the tax break concerns become a major issue, there are possible solutions to consider. For example, eliminate the tax break but then allow the money to follow the student. At this point in time, parents with children attending private schools basically pay for education twice (private school tuition fees plus public school taxes via property taxes).
With regard to the never-ending problem of funding in the public system, the private system seems to manage itself better and keep a balanced budget.
Furthermore, the private system also manages to successfully self-fund all building projects.
M.D. Sund, Coquitlam
