Catholic
schools:
Quality, cost-efficiency
You probably have received the W2 and 1099 forms that tell you the inevitable
is around the corner: It’s nearing tax time again. Whether you pay
a professional or do it yourself, preparing your annual tax return brings
into focus just how much in taxes everyone pays. Just think how high school
taxes could be were it not for Catholic education.
Throughout Pennsylvania, public school districts avoid the expense of
educating students enrolled in Catholic schools to the tune of more than
$1billion each year. In Philadelphia alone, the 33,850 students in elementary,
secondary and special education schools of the Archdiocese represent $321
million in savings to Philadelphia taxpayers. In addition, the 69 parish
grade schools in the city contribute more than $73 million in services
annually.
The savings appear more stark when one considers the impact of a study
by the state legislature last year regarding school funding in Pennsylvania.
If the report’s recommendations were implemented, per-pupil spending
would jump to $12,057 from the current $9,512. Meanwhile, Catholic schools
currently spend $8,310 per pupil, based on a nationwide average.
Could Philadelphia schools absorb the students currently enrolled in Catholic
schools, and residents the higher taxes necessary to teach them?
Perhaps, but there is a better way than raising taxes or accepting the
status quo of educational quality. Catholic Schools Week, which begins
Jan. 27, raises recognition of how Catholic schools enrich society by
offering a high-quality education in a cost-efficient way.
Now is the time for Catholics and everyone who cares about education to
rally in support of the jewel of Catholic education. This treasure of
the Church and gift to society deserves support from the community that
it serves. Support in the form of vouchers would allow parents to choose
a school in their neighborhood that provides the best education for their
children. If that option is a neighborhood-based Catholic school, why
not give parents the option, in addition to the taxes they will continue
to pay? It is cost-effective education by which children benefit the most.
The Archdiocese holds a commitment to educate, form in faith and instill
moral values in all God’s children. In the 69 Catholic parish elementary
schools in Philadelphia, for instance, one-quarter of the students are
non-Catholic and more than 40 percent are minority students. The Archdiocese
seeks fresh thinking and creative collaboration in order to continue this
commitment. Recognizing the fiscal and educational benefit Catholic schools
provide to society, the wise choice for responsibly educating children
is greater choice in education.