Dear Editor,

The article by Mr. Keith Magill, editor of the Houma Courier, in support of school vouchers left me with more questions than answers. Perhaps you or your more informed readers can help.

Since the proposal to authorize school vouchers in “failing schools” limits the eligibility for a voucher to children of low-income families, is there an implication that only these children are contributing to the poor performance of these schools? If no, then why not offer vouchers to all children who are not performing well, without regard to income? What other implications are there in the proposed plan; children from single-parent homes? A childs IQ level? A child’s drive and motivation? Discipline? Incompetent teachers? Are any or all of the above factors contributing to poor performance?

Under the proposed plan, can an eligible child choose a public school that is not failing? Is there enough space in alternative schools to accommodate all eligible students? Will the performance of children who choose an alternative school be monitored by the state?

If you or any informed readers have any answers, the help will be appreciated. I do agree with Mr. Magill that the time for excuses is past. However, there is a compelling need to identify the factors that are contributing to poor performance before rushing into actions that may not address the real problems.

An Interested

Taxpayer

Bill McBride