I know families who have children in one of the many dynamic, creative, local private schools. I understand the love of wanting your child to get the best education. Our 11-year-old gifted son took the SAT and scored above the national average for college-bound seniors.
I thought about finding him a private school, instead of Chimacum public school. A wise friend counseled that if all parents took bright creative children out of public schools, we would destroy democracy. We need the best and brightest to do their learning alongside peers with less wealth and fewer or different skills. We need educated parental energy to guide and support our local public schools – so all children learn to become critical thinking voters. Our son graduated from Chimacum High School and Peninsula College the same year.
If you have a child in a local private school, consider matching the time you donate to your private school — hour for hour — to support our local public schools. Or consider putting your kids back in public school and fight for the best for everyone.
Consider researching candidates running for school board then casting a meaningful vote in the fall. Consider caring about all the children of the future. If you don’t, who will? What future will be available for your children?
Google “democracy and the need for public not private education” for more reading.
Rita Marie Kepner, Ph.D.
Nordland
