I was educated in the public schools and believe that system can serve large portions of students. But I also believe in competition and choice and feel that education should be subject to it as well. Parents are responsible for the education of their children. If they decide they can educate their children at home better than the public system, it is their right to do so. The current insistence on vouchers stems from the recognition that our public schools are failing to achieve results. If the parents find a private school that would better serve their child, they should be able to redirect the money apportioned to their student to that school. I abhor the recent ruling in California that denies the right of parents to educate their children at home and will work to ensure that such a thing never comes to pass in Minnesota.
I attended college and paid for most of it myself. During the 90’s there was grant money available from the state (the Pell Grant) and it was a great help. I also received support from my family during the final two years of school. I know how hard it can be to afford school and sacrifices families must make for the privilege of higher education. However the cost of school has increased so fast that most students and families are hard pressed to afford it. I know many adults in their 30’s and 40’s that still carry a crippling load of student debt. Yet the state continues to hand money to University of Minnesota and MnSCU with no requirements on undergraduate tuition.
I want to see less building projects and renovations and more focus on reducing the administrative overhead and costs at these institutions. The state needs to provide more oversight to the board of regents and the operations of our public institutions. Costs need to be curbed and the price of tuition rolled back.