Support Funding/Tax Credits for Private Schools! It is less taxing.

One of the things that has really bugged me over the years, is the lack of gratitude by public officials (and even many everyday citizens) to those who send their children to Catholic Schools. (This, of course, also applies to those who send their children to schools of other faiths, as well as, secular schools.) We are ignored and at times even derided by public officials and some citizens, who view us and our children, as second class students.

According to the State of Maryland, it costs apx. $13,453 to educated a student in FY2011.* This will of course, be slightly higher in some localities, while lower in others but as a baseline, we will round it up to $13,500 per student.

There are apx. 11,000 students in Catholic elementary and high schools in Montgomery County.** This number may be a bit higher or lower but we will use this as the baseline. (Note that there is always one segment which is always ignored and that is the apx. 38,000 home schoolers in the State of Maryland.)

Because of this, Catholic schools (located in MoCo) in the Archdiocese of Washington save the State of Maryland and MoCo over $148 million each year. That is not pocket change. This is a staggering amount.

Now, why do I say this?

For many years, the Archdiocese of Washington and many private schools have lobbied hard for not only for textbook funding but also for a tuition tax credit. Constantly, Catholic and private school parents have been rebuffed. The usual arguments are: (1) It is your choice to do so, so don't blame me; and/or (2) we don't want to subsidize someone's faith.

But what would happen if every Catholic school in MoCo closed because parents could not afford the tuition and fees? How about all private schools?

Do you think that the State of MD and/or MoCo could handle the influx of these students? Do you think that they could come up with the funds to cover the added cost without taking it out of your wallet? If they are "crying" now about the fact that they do not have enough funds, what would happen in this scenario?

So, the next time you meet a parent who sends their children to a Catholic or private school, don't simply say thank you. Support their efforts for textbook funding and a tuition tax credit. It will save you money in the long run.

*Maryland At A Glance Website. Site updated on Feb. 20, 2013.
** Private School Guide website