As a result they lack many years of instruction in a Catholic environment. Diocesan and national programs are addressing this. But more needs to be done and be done quickly. Finances have been a problem from the time the first Catholic school opened in the country. Today this issue represents a two-edged sword.
Catholic schools have a much lower per-pupil cost than the state schools.
One reason for this is the salaries of their educators are only about half those of teachers in government schools. One of the main reasons why the salaries are so low is the desire of administrators to keep tuition down so Catholic schools remain affordable for all children. The current movement to provide full and fair parental choice in education seeks to give all parents the means to send their children to the schools they know are best for them, whether they be state-controlled or independent. Catholics should become familiar with this justice issue and get involved. Finances will remain a problem for Catholic schools until elected officials respond to the call of millions of citizens to assist all parents with the education of their children.