Argument in Favor of Proposition 38

We can no longer stand by while bureaucrats prop up a crumbling education system that traps millions of California's children in failing schools.

Consider:

– California ranks at the bottom of the nation in reading and math.

– Over 30 percent of California's ninth graders never graduate from high school—forever being burdened with the label of "dropout."

– California's education system is riddled with waste and abuse like the $200 million Belmont High School in Los Angeles—never to be occupied because education bureaucrats allowed it to be built on toxic land.

– State colleges are forced to provide high school English and math classes to over half of the freshmen who are unable to complete basic assignments.

CONTROL OVER THE EDUCATION AND DESTINY OF CALIFORNIA'S CHILDREN MUST BE TAKEN FROM BUREAUCRATS AND GIVEN TO PARENTS. PARENTS MUST HAVE THE RIGHT AND FINANCIAL ABILITY TO REMOVE THEIR CHILDREN FROM FAILING SCHOOLS. THESE KIDS ARE CALIFORNIA'S FUTURE, AND IT'S ONLY FAIR THAT EVERY CHILD HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN AT THE SCHOOL THAT IS BEST FOR HIM OR HER.

Prop. 38 holds schools accountable to parents and taxpayers. It helps public schools, increases per pupil spending, gives parents a choice, provides healthy competition, and offers every kid a fair chance.

Prop. 38 offers parents in California a $4,000 school voucher to give their child the best possible education. It also allows parents to save any difference between $4,000 and a lower tuition amount for future education expenses for their child, including college.

Prop. 38 supports California's public schools by guaranteeing they will always be funded at or ABOVE the national average in dollars per pupil once this level is reached.

Prop. 38 has been very carefully written to result in savings and provide a better education for all of California's children.

Prop. 38 will improve the learning environment and result in smaller, safer classes where teachers can give each student more attention.

Prop. 38 will force public schools to compete for students, thereby encouraging public schools to improve their performance.

Prop. 38 offers all children—regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status—the opportunity to reach their academic potential and achieve success.

Prop. 38 holds schools accountable to parents and taxpayers by requiring schools to provide financial statements and measurements of students' academic performance.

Prop. 38 provides important protections for private schools from unnecessary and onerous government regulations.

Prop. 38 gives parents the freedom to choose how to educate their child.

Too many of California's children are trapped in a low-performing education system that wastes money and robs children of their chance for a bright future. Proposition 38 will offer them real choices and ensure a quality education for all of California's children.

Don't let another California child spend 13 years in failing schools.

Please vote yes on Prop. 38. A REAL CHOICE FOR EVERY FAMILY. A FAIR CHANCE FOR EVERY CHILD.

CARMELA GARNICA, Teacher
Escuela de Ia Raza Unida
TIM DRAPER
Parent
JOHN MCCAIN
United States Senator