Public schools deserve support

In his My Turn article, Mr. Hearn explained what was said at a town hall meeting regarding public education.

Some of our legislators do not support public education. 

“Rep. Heather Scott claimed rampant “deviant behavior in schools” and that public schools were “ignoring the law” about DEI. 

Rep. Tony Wisniewski said there was “indoctrination of our students” in public schools and stated his support for school vouchers. 

Sen. Ben Toews expressed support for school vouchers. He said, “teachers unions are lobbying against our values.” 

Rep. Elaine Price advocated for repealing the Blaine Amendment which prohibits public funds being used to support religious schools.” 

Based on past actions of our Legislature, I have no reason to question Mr. Hearn’s reporting.

Over 90% of children in Idaho attend public schools. Claiming to make education better. the U.S. and Idaho continue a war on education. Our schools and teachers were failing us was declared in “A Nation at Risk,” a comprehensive study, exclusive of educators, drew conclusions on what is wrong.

Why do our schools teach reading, writing and arithmetic? Reading teaches students to understand the world and their place in it. Writing teaches them to communicate, develop arguments and persuade. Arithmetic teaches them to measure attributes, grasp reality and bring the physical universe into perspective. These are the basics. 

Public education must be a legislative priority. 

“Those who under fund public education and make no effort to improve our schools do real harm to our children and our community.”  

Thomas Jefferson warned that government “tyranny” would emerge unless “the people at large” were “educated at the common expense of all.”

• • •

Phil Ward is a Coeur d’Alene resident.