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February 13, 2022Dear Parishioners,
Last weekend we had students from our school speak at all the Masses. It was a chance to hear from them about their good experiences at our school. I would like to take this opportunity to once again speak about something very important to me: the ability for parents and guardians to send their children to the school of their choice. There are many ways to accomplish this (financial aid, scholarships, etc.). The best way to accomplish this would be through the School Choice Movement. This is a national movement which seeks to pass state legislation which would allow parents to apply a portion of their tax dollars to the school they send their child. This could be to a public or a private/Catholic school. There are many reasons to support this movement.
First, it is a matter of justice and fairness. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: “As those first responsible for the education of their children, parents have the right to choose a school for them which corresponds to their own convictions. This right is fundamental. As far as possible parents have the duty of choosing schools that will best help them in their task as Christian educators. Public authorities have the duty of guaranteeing this parental right and of ensuring the concrete conditions for its exercise.” Unfortunately, here in Rhode Island some children are at the mercy of their zip codes. Not surprisingly the inability to choose one’s school effects the poor and marginalized, since it is difficult to leave underperforming public schools.
Second, it will improve public education. We want all students to thrive, not just those in private schools. How often do we hear the claim: the public school system needs more money to function? Rhode Island spends around $15,000.00 per pupil which is ninth in the nation. Yet, our test stores continue to decline. Meanwhile, St. Teresa School charges $5,300.00 per student and our test scores are higher. We are able to accomplish more with less. Granted, numbers only tell so much of the story. The higher costs of public education include special needs programs among other costs. Yet, that can only account for so much. By introducing parental choice into education it may compel public schools to make changes that benefit their students.
There are many more reasons to support School Choice Legislation (e.g. it would lessen the burden on the public school system). St. Teresa School provides an excellent education and faith formation for our children at an affordable cost. It is my dream that every parent will someday be able to send their child St. Teresa School regardless of financial circumstances. Every parent or guardian, regardless of means, should be able to send their child to a Catholic school. Every parent should be able to celebrate faith, excellence, and service as do our Catholic School families. Through your activism, support, and prayers let’s make that happen.
God bless,
Fr. Barrow
