[Mr. Bird]

The argument for publicly funded schools is predicated on the notion (and a convincing one at that) that society is better served by an educated populace. The problem with public schools falling short is a relatively new one, exacerbated by national teachers unions and control moved from local to near-national control.

As someone who does not have children, and does not plan on having any in the near future, I pay dearly for the idea of a workable public school system. I do not object to that premise. However, as the years go by, I am increasingly convinced that the what the government is providing is not an education, but a variation on daycare.

I think the simplest assessment of the current situation is that no one is getting their money's worth.

[cruiserman]

The argument for publicly funded schools is predicated on the notion (and a convincing one at that) that society is better served by an educated populace.

That argument assumes that educating kids in gov't schools is the way to do it, not through individual choice.

[RipeforTruth]

I pay a ton in taxes too and have four children. We have always homeschooled (that means I have never received one penny of "services" from the school system.)

I sure could use the money that I have paid in, however.