Maybe public schools should charge tuition

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Editor: I was intrigued by the letter written by Darci Francis on March 13 in support of a tax referendum to once, again, prop up the local public school system. I find it interesting that she wishes to provide a "wonderful experience" for her daughter in the public school system by dipping into my wallet via a property tax increase. Perhaps, Ms. Francis, you should step up to the plate and take a page out of the books of the private school system by investing your own money in your child's education. Why not spearhead a movement to impose tuition upon the people actually utilizing the public school system? That way, you and your child would have a major stake in the success of the school. You would pay more attention to the manner in which tuition dollars are appropriated (especially when it comes to administrative salaries and fluff expenditures) and to your child's school performance. You and other parent-users of the system would have a major incentive to be involved in your child's academic experience and contribute to the same. Your comment that "Sterling has to offer an outstanding educational system" is a slap in the face to the already outstanding educational systems offered by the hardworking, dedicated educators at Newman High School, Christ Lutheran School and St. Mary's School in Sterling. Isn't it amazing that these systems, which successfully operate on shoestring budgets and the dedication of educators, contributors and parents, manage to provide top-notch educations without raiding my piggy bank? Throwing more money at the broken, spend-thrift public school system is no fix. I am not from a wealthy or privileged background. I am a graduate of the local private school system and obtained a college degree and doctorate at private universities - all without requiring a dime from you or any other property owner. I would be willing to pit my "bargain" private school education against your public school experience any day of the week. T.J. Whitaker, Sterling