>>>"I'd prefer to have it that only parents pay for the services. Why should I, without kids, be saddled with this?<<<
Get the Government out of the Education Business and we can achieve your Goal! The Government is good at spreading MISERY thin so it isn't as objectionable.
Can you IMAGINE the quality of Education that Parents would DEMAND if they were the only ones paying for it? You could kiss those Teacher Unions GOODBYE, the Monuments to politicians that house the Education process would disappear as well.
Your statement that parents would demand quality education if they were the only ones paying for it is absolutely true -- but only for parents who truly care.
There are way, way too many parents who don't care or who won't pay to educate their kids -- or who will choose the cheapest option.
And our society would be irretrievably hurt if we encourage an uneducated underclass. Cannot, must not, happen.