Cheryl L. Brewer
July 2002

I believe that a person should be able to choose which school their child attends. An excellent education should be one of our highest priorities for our children. And although many youth will thrive in public schools, I believe there are those that need the structure and discipline of a private school. If I feel more comfortable with my child receiving his education in a private school setting, then he should be allowed to attend a private school. Our community should make it possible for all parents to have the option of choosing which school their child attends -- regardless of income. There are many children who live in high-risk environments that would seriously benefit from a private school setting, but they are unable to attend those schools because their parents can'f afford to send them there. These are the children who do badly in school, get in trouble, and eventually end up in our criminal justice system.

I know that there are problems in our society. Too many children are confronted with drugs, alcohol and gang violence. Our public schools are overcrowded, and the teachers often times overwhelmed. I would feel more secure if my son attended a private school. I believe that they have smaller classrooms and are more disciplined, eliminating many of the behavioral problems that arise in public school. In addition, my son can receive religious instruction, which is important to me.

I very much appreciate that your group is providing scholarships to parents who believe in their children's education enough that they care about what school they attend. You obviously care deeply about the welfare of our youth and truly understand the importance of a good education.