The Golden State could possibly have about 6.5 million children sent to private schools by their parents, if a California ballot proposal goes through. The program would also tap taxpayer money. Parents would get the vouchers regardless of family income. The issue has stirred controversy, with critics saying public school education would be destroyed and the move would utterly violate the constitutional separation of church and state. Congress has taken up the issue within the past year, and presidential candidates have been asked for their stances.
Supporters say children's futures are at stake.
Draper, a venture capitalist and former member of the state Board of Education, has put his four children in private schools. The prospect of a mass exodus from California's public schools comes as opponents cite improvement efforts by Gov. Gray Davis since his 1998 election. Achievement test scores released this month showed gains in nearly all grades and subjects, though students remain below the national average in reading. My message is to stay the course. The voucher is a 180-degree mistake.