Detroit ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AND SUPERVISORS

As Presidents of the Michigan Association of School Administrators and the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators, we oppose changing our constitution to provide public tax money for private and religious schools.

Although the first year implementation is limited, the proposed constitutional amendment removes all legal barriers prohibiting the state from funding private and religious education for all current and future students. Michigan currently has almost 200,000 students attending private and religious schools. Funding them with a $3000 voucher from tax money will cost taxpayers an additional $600,000,000.

In addition, the proposed constitutional amendment permits the state legislature to devise and implement other forms of financial support for private and religious K-12 schools. This potential additional cost is not known and will depend on the decisions of future legislatures.

Proponents speak of vouchers as giving a "choice" to students and families. They do not. A voucher plan gives a choice to the private and religious school. Being a child in a community makes you automatically eligible to attend your public school. But qualifying for a voucher does not make anyone eligible to attend a private or religious school. A student must be chosen, and the choice belongs to the school-not the parent or the student.

As educators, we are committed to our historic, traditional ideal of a public education system, where the total community works together to achieve quality results and the system is open and accessible to all.

But a voucher system divides and segregates a community, fragmenting energy and resources that should be devoted to bringing all our children to world-class standards. A voucher system enables some children and some families to be chosen by private and religious schools for special consideration, at considerable additional expense to the taxpayers.

We strongly support the efforts of All Kids First! in helping Michigan voters understand the voucher issue.

Michael S. Weiler
President
Michigan Association of School Administrators

Michael McIntyre
President
Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators

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