Davis County Clipper

Pro-Voucher is Focus at VHS Student Meeting

October 11, 2007

Doug Radunich

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BOUNTIFUL — Proving that local high school students care about and understand the importance of education, two Viewmont High School students gave a public presentation this week on the positives of school vouchers.

The half-hour event, which took place in the Viewmont High choir room, was organized and spoken on by Voucher Advocate Heidi Holmes and Student Government Representative Adam Stewart, both of whom are students at Viewmont High School.

All faculty members and students of Viewmont High School were invited to attend, and several of them contributed questions and comments near the end.

“I feel passionate about helping public schools in general, and we want to give our side of the issue,” Stewart said. “Some people think vouchers will take away money from public schools, but the money that funds vouchers comes from the general fund, not the educational fund.

“Vouchers give parents a choice and a chance to send their kid to a school that best fits their needs, and no one can complain about too much choice.”

Holmes said vouchers would benefit children from low-income families and who don’t succeed as well in a public school setting.

“It’s hard to take time out for one student who struggles and isn’t succeeding in public school, so vouchers would help them receive a good education and increase the public school system as well,” she said. “The purpose of vouchers is not to get everyone to private school, but to increase education for every child.

“The amount of money a child receives for a voucher is based on income level, and because those who are rich can already afford to send their child to private school, vouchers will benefit those low-income families that want to send their child to private school but can’t afford it.”

The vote on whether or not vouchers will pass is still scheduled for Nov. 6, and one can stay updated by visiting the Utah State Legislature’s Web site at www.le.state.ut.us.