Every Michigan parent wants the same thing: safe, welcoming schools where their children can learn, grow and develop the skills they need to succeed in life. As Hazel Park superintendent, I see that commitment every day in our classrooms from our dedicated educators who work tirelessly to support all of our students, despite facing significant challenges from funding cuts to staff shortages and ever increasing demands on our teachers.
At a time when we should be investing more in students, educators and neighborhood schools, I stand with Michigan Education Justice Coalition (MEJC) and call on our state government to opt out of the federal “tax credit scholarship” program, which lays the groundwork for a nationwide voucher system.
Revenue shortfalls, persistent teacher shortages, and aging facilities are compounded by inconsistent budgeting decisions in Lansing and Washington, as well as budget debates that often drag on long after school leaders are required to make critical decisions about staffing, programs and services.
Michigan voters have already rejected voucher schemes because they understand a fundamental truth: Public schools educate every child who walks through their doors. Private schools do not…