Yesterday, I wrote about what NH’s HB20 vouchers are and how they could be used. Feel free to read through that intro (preview here) or jump into this new #NHPolitics thread - your, um...choice :) https://twitter.com/eacanada/status/1355675226495983621

Quick reminder: Vouchers are public funds (raised through taxes) given to eligible families to use *exclusively* for private schools, religious schools, homeschooling - but NOT public schools.

The HB20 voucher “debate” is anchored in the concept of “parental choice” and “school choice.” That concept, on its face, sounds very positive.

Let’s try using an analogy for the “school choice” movement with another public good: libraries.

Public libraries are also a *public good* and a *public service*. Our tax dollars fund them. All community members have access to books -- hundreds, if not thousands on different subjects/interests/reading levels --, magazines, newspapers, Internet access, community activities…

Communities may also have bookstores -- which are privately owned. Or maybe there’s a bookstore in a nearby town. Or maybe one online.

A voucher “school choice” argument for libraries could be: “I don’t use the public library, so I want a voucher to purchase my books somewhere else.”

Another voucher “school choice” argument for libraries could be: “Libraries don’t have every single book available every day, why are we paying for them?”

Another voucher “school choice” argument for libraries could be: “I’ve had a much better experience at a bookstore than at the library. Libraries have failed.”

Another voucher “school choice” argument for libraries could be: “Look at how many people go to the bookstore! That is proof that libraries aren’t working for everyone.”

Another voucher “school choice” argument for libraries could be: “Libraries are slow to innovate - bookstores are just more nimble, and we should encourage people to go there instead.”

The “book choice” movement might have a slick video online to advocate for their cause, showing pictures of homes with huge, personal libraries, and using the catchphrase: “Borrow a book, read it for 21 days. Buy a book, read it for a lifetime.”

But...that doesn’t happen.

Instead, we know that libraries are a public good, available for everyone and free to use. This is true about our public schools, which -- no matter when you might move to town -- always has a seat for you.

We know that libraries may not have a book on one day, but they can help track it down, find another copy, and will work with you individually. This is true of our public schools, which help students, for ex., find extended learning opportunities. https://www.nhelonetwork.com/ 

We also know that librarians will help find answers to the weirdest questions. Teachers, too.

We also know that libraries strengthen communities. And so do our public schools.

Folks are able to purchase books at bookstores - absolutely. But the concept of giving people public dollars to buy books at private shops -- at the expense and deficit (both in $$ and messaging) of libraries -- wouldn’t happen.

And so, it is really...interesting...that our NH state legislature is proposing to give people money to actively leave their public school districts.

One more thing, one of my “favorite” lines used in the “school choice” movement is: “Parental choice is the most local control.” Super catchy. Except when we say “local control,” we mean oversight of dollars. And with privatization, there is no public oversight.

P.S., librarians, y’all are so wonderful, and thank you for all that you do for our communities. Please forgive my hypothetical statements!

Want to weigh in on this legislation? Click on 2/2 and House Education for HB 20: http://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/remotetestimony/default.aspx