Did you know that the U.S. Constitution does not give the responsibility for free public education to the federal government? That’s right. That responsibility rests with the state government.
However, the Pennsylvania Department of Education delegates some of its power to local school districts. Unfortunately, the revenue that is necessary to operate the local public schools is generated by unfair and/or unpopular taxes.
Free public education, like other public services, is supported by taxpayers regardless of their use or not. Therefore, it is not necessary for students to solicit donations or to participate in fundraising activities.
It is the local board of education’s responsibility to collect enough tax revenue to pay for all the educational programs and school-sponsored activities, such as band and sports teams, without fees, so that any student can participate regardless of family income.
Th best thing that ever happened for the children of Pennsylvania is free public education.
David L. Faust
Selinsgrove