Proposal to cut funding for public virtual schools is shortsighted
Ann Robinett
Special for the Republic
Jun. 1, 2008 12:00 AM

In our 21st-century economy, work is done around the clock. The numbers of workers who telecommute are growing daily. Time and distance are less relevant today than ever before. What's most important is progress. The same can be applied to public education.

Since 1999, Arizona has embraced public virtual schools. These public schools are open 24/7, teaching Arizona kids anytime, anywhere, any place and continue to prove a lifesaver for many children.

But now, Arizona leaders are considering a proposal to arbitrarily cut funding for my children's public virtual school. The proposed cuts are deep and put a significant risk to the quality programs I and other Arizona parents have come to rely on for their children.

To premise that my children's education is somehow worth less than other students in public schools is offensive and, I believe, illegal. Arizona has been down this road already and should realize by now that the state cannot discriminate against different types of public schools. My children's education deserves to be funded at the same level as any other child in an Arizona public school, period.

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