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home schooling, and charter schools, believing that the more choices we have, the better our children’s learning needs will be met.
Fallacy #1: Public Education is free. Local funding for Rappahannock’s public schools amounts to $3,376,970.00 for the 1994-95 school year. The state contributes $1,962,497.99 (including sales tax monies.) Federal aid (about $286,000.00) and grants bring the whole package to $5,842,747.00 for the 1994-95 year. Determining the per pupil expenditure is not quite as simple as dividing that amount by the 1,010 students, because some of the money is tagged for capital outlay, certain federally required programs, and particular grant projects. Roughly speaking, the cost of a year’s education at R.C.E.S., is between four and a half and five thousand dollars.
Fallacy #2: Teachers using television or video media in the classroom are coping with large classes/buying free time for themselves. Many of Rappahannock’s rural children do not have access to Public Broadcasting or cable channels, such as WETA or The Discovery Channel. In addition to offering incredible geography, history, and science programs, the schools are able to link into the electronic classroom programs offered through Harrisonburg’s WVPT. Overuse is not good, but occasional use can greatly enhance learning.
Fallacy #3: All challenging students go to public schools. There are physically handicapped students, as well as those with learning disabilities at our area private schools. Their teachers work hard to meet their individual needs.
Fallacy #4: In order to experience diversity, a child must enroll at a public school. Happily, real life is full of diversity. Students and teachers in “home schools,” public schools, and yes, our area private schools, come in
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