Stephen Pierce’s letter in the Monitor states “public education [serves] the only stakeholder — our students.” This reflects a common misperception of the purpose of education. Public education is intended to benefit students individually and our society collectively — to preserve our democracy. Part 2, Article 83 of our state constitution was drawn from a similar provision in Massachusetts drafted by John Adams, a school teacher, revolutionary founding father and Federalist. It states in part, “[k]nowledge and learning, generally diffused through a community, being essential to the preservation of a free government. It shall be the duty of the legislators … to cherish the interest of literature and the sciences.” The subjects taught and quality of teaching matter.

Public education is also invaluable for another important reason: It brings together kids of all kinds. This experience is worth a great deal in social terms and avoids the narrow silos into which many children are placed. By rubbing elbows, they learn about their classmates and how to communicate with them. To sustain our democracy we can all use a lot more of that. Can public education be improved? Absolutely! But reform it, and fund it fairly — don’t throw it in the dumpster as many GOP legislators seem intent on doing. The answer is not to cut public school budgets and continue the political evasions of the Claremont case. And don’t think that the unaccountable privatized system that has ballooned with widespread vouchers is the answer.

Edward Damon

Concord