I know the link is about a particular school district, but it does serve as a reminder that everything offered by politicians requires the ability of others to pay for it. The Federal Government has a big advantage since they can print money, but what happens when those chickens come home to roost?
Ocean Gate School District faces closure after voters reject 27% tax hike - nj.com Ocean Gate School District faces closure after voters reject 27% tax hike - nj.com
I don’t understand how a school district even exists with an elementary school only. What happens to the kids in middle and high school? Oh, they go to another district? Then why is this town paying school board and administration for 149 students in one tiny town.
Oh, and elementary school is not “free stuff”.
As someone who has two children in public school, yes…it is free stuff compared to what I would have to pay for a private school.
As someone wh pays property taxes, and did long before I had any children in public school, I also know someone has to pay for it.
I’d like to look at the school budget. When I’ve sat on boards and reviewed their financials, on more than one occasion it was waaaaaaaaaay out of whack. The problem wasn’t external, it was an internal one…at the top.
every children gets a free public education.
the voters didnt want to keep this school open, Surprise.
they will attend another school.
Allan
and its a really good thing. an educated populace benefits all.
Allan
When the term “free stuff” is used it is invariably to denigrate any ideas about social welfare. No one in their right mind equates “free stuff” to education.
So that education is free?
The buildings are donated and all taxes waived?
All of the equipment to run a school just “appeared”?
Teachers teach for no pay?
School support staff all volunteer their time?
The electric, water, heat, all costs waived?
The food for the lunches is provided free of cost??
Education is NOT free, it is paid for thru taxes, grants, etc.
You have a VERY odd definition of “free”.
The only “free” part is students do not have to pay to attend. The rest of us pick up the cost.
My locality had a situation like this a few years ago. The school system is growing and we needed a new elementary school. They put the funding on the ballot and the new school got voted down. Primarily because of opposition by older voters who no longer had children in the public school system. That’s all fine and good but the problem of needing a new school didn’t go away. Fast forward a year later and the funding, thankfully, passed.
This wasn’t an issue of politicians offering up “free stuff” like the OP has insisted. These are communities addressing public school funding needs. If voters don’t want higher taxes to address those needs, then that’s fine. But then you have to deal with the consequences.
Public schools provide free education to children in the United States. They are paid for by the government with local taxes, state money, and federal money.
its not that hard to figure out.
Allan
The term “free stuff” is used invariable to describe all the stuff the lefties promise that people won’t have to pay for. In other words, free. At least that’s what I mean when I say it. There. You don’t have to guess or assume anymore. 
Oh, and when people are bled dry by taxes they’re in no hurry to give more to a government that has no respect for their money. Bue state dipshiddery.
So taxes should not be used for educating children. I want to see a red state eliminate all public schools and see how they fare.
My son is done with K-12.
However, I would benefit today if I weren’t surrounded by so many stupid, ill-educated people.
My point:
The benefit of “free” school for society at large, not just the students.
So it isn’t free, now had you said “provided an education free of charge to the student” that would be exactly correct
I disagree. I pay taxes to educate children. Apparently, the people of this town thought they were getting raked over the coals and scammed in the name of educating children. How could they suck so bad at managing money that they need 27 percent? I’m betting that they are top heavy with over paid administrators that they probably don’t actually need. What’s your thought?
its a small town in Jersey (pop 1900). just another town in Jersey that wants home rule. and the voters aint having it.
Allan
I’m betting that they are top heavy with over paid administrators that they probably don’t actually need.
Have you ever noticed that they always threaten to cut the bus drivers, paraprofessionals and other critical staff? You know, the one’s making $22,000? The assistant to the assistant principle’s personal admin with the $90,000 dollar salary is never considered. Nor is her assistant.
Even though all my kids are grown and no longer in school …
I want the kid at the checkout to be able to make correct change. I want the high schooler working at the automatic car wash to fill up the soap dispenser with the correct measurement of goop so that my car gets cleaned properly. I want each kid who graduates from the system to be qualified for whatever next step in life he is pursuing. I want the geeks to be as geeked up as possible with math and physics so that the next step in the march of mankind’s discovery of this amazing world and solar system and universe can occur through him.
Damned straight, Gaius. Education is for the good of us all. It’s a shame it’s getting so diluted and polluted with so much extraneous garbage.
If it is paid for, regardless of by whom then by definition it is not free.
It isnt that hard to figure out.
A more accurate statement is:
Students nor their families are charged a fee to attend K-12 schools in the US.
It really is that simple
