Public funding for private schools
THE RECORD
STAFF WRITER
Josh Pruzansky is chairman of the New Jersey State Non-public School Advisory Committee, which works with the state Education Department to settle issues regarding special needs evaluations, speech therapies, record-keeping, transportation and other state services for students in private and parochial schools. He is also executive director of Agudath Israel New Jersey, which advocates for the Orthodox Jewish community.
In New Jersey, 163,000 children attend private and parochial schools, compared with nearly 1.4 million in public schools. The state gives non-public schools $58 per child for textbooks, $77 per child for nurses and, in some districts, $884 per eligible child for transportation, plus remedial services as needed.
Some people wonder why public funds go to covering costs of students at private schools. What's the reasoning?
Families choosing to go to private schools should have the opportunity to get the education they feel is best for their children. They're still obligated to pay their property taxes and should be entitled to something. Every child in the state is entitled to a thorough and efficient education. By choosing to send them to private school, they're relieving taxpayers of almost $20,000 – the average cost of providing an education in public school. Getting a few dollars here and there should not be a source of contention.
Considering our country's separation of church and state, why should any public money go to parochial
ELIZABETH LARA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Buy this photoJosh Pruzansky heads the state private schools panel.
Some people wonder why public funds go to covering costs of students at private schools. What's the reasoning?
Families choosing to go to private schools should have the opportunity to get the education they feel is best for their children. They're still obligated to pay their property taxes and should be entitled to something. Every child in the state is entitled to a thorough and efficient education. By choosing to send them to private school, they're relieving taxpayers of almost $20,000 – the average cost of providing an education in public school. Getting a few dollars here and there should not be a source of contention.
Considering our country's separation of church and state, why should any public money go to parochial
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