Economists use the term "public good" to describe something that everyone benefits from, but not everyone pays for. Streetlights are a public good, as is a strong national defense; those who pay little or no taxes benefit just as much as those who pay more.
Private education is also a "public good" — independent schools not only help every American family, but they strengthen American values and provide a backbone for future economic growth.
New York state spends more per student than any other state. This year, Immaculate Heart Central (IHC) schools in Watertown educate 536 students (K-12) from local school districts, for a total tax savings of $6.2 million. Less what school districts are mandated to provide (busing, books, library aid, some technology, and resources for special student needs) that's a savings of $150 to $200 per taxpaying household. Elected officials, like voters, should embrace proven methods for saving taxpayer money.
This month, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo released his budget by declaring the state "functionally bankrupt." While every taxpayer will shoulder this burden, those who send their children to IHC will shoulder more than their fair share. The governor's budget will impose an 8 percent cut on the Mandated Services Reimbursement and Comprehensive Attendance Policy reimbursement for independent schools.
This is on top of the 6 percent cut in last year's budget, and higher than the 7.3 percent cut to public schools. The cost to the state's independent schools this year is about $100 million. The state has already failed to reimburse independent schools for mandates as far back as 2002-2003, for a total estimated bill of $270 million.
The trends are in the wrong direction, and the practice violates the 37-year old State Mandated Services Reimbursement Act. The cost is real and tragic. At the end of 2008, Rochester was forced to close 14 Catholic schools. This year, the New York Archdiocese will close 27.
Recently, IHC celebrated Catholic Schools week. Our theme — "A+ for America" — is timely and apt:
■ Catholic schools, because of their focus on high academic standards and strong moral values, produce graduates who make a significant contribution to American society.
■ Nearly 100 percent of our graduates pursue higher education, strengthening their contribution to our economy, and increasing America's competitiveness.
■ Catholic schools disproportionately serve the hardest-hit economic communities, including the north country, where unemployment exceeds state and national rates.
■ In some areas, Catholic schools provide parents a safe, quality alternative to chronically low-performing public schools.
A common argument is that those who can afford tuition should have the option to do so, but that those who can't should have quality public schools. We agree. But first, consider that IHC's per-pupil costs are less than $6,000 — less than half the average of the districts sending students to IHC.
And yet our teachers are highly qualified, our junior/senior high school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and our Regents scores are consistently among the highest in the region. We keep costs down by good stewardship and by treating education as a ministry.
Second, 40 percent of our students qualify for financial aid using the same process that colleges do: a confidential needs assessment by an independent agency. If a parent values education, they can afford IHC.
IHC supports government's efforts to curb spending. But we expect that when elected officials claim to promote education, they do so equally for all children — this is fair, American, and in the public interest. Citizens expect this; elected officials should take responsibility for it.
How does IHC continue to thrive? First, we focus on our mission of providing a quality Catholic and secular education. Second, parents have assumed more of the financial responsibility. Third, we continue to be grateful for the contributions of alumni and community leaders who understand IHC's value. Fourth, we practice good stewardship; not a dime goes to waste.
We continue to seek creative solutions to our challenges. One of those solutions is that we forthrightly explain to our neighbors why we are here, what we offer, and why it matters so much to our community.
We believe in God, a quality education, an environment of values and respect, competitive athletics, vibrant extracurriculars, and the unique gifts of each child. We also believe that we have a job to do — to serve the public good - and are resolved to keep doing it for years to come. This has been the mission of our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph, since 1881.
Lt. Col. (retired) Chris Hornbarger is the executive system administrator of Immaculate Heart Central Schools.
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