Making public education fair for everyone

By David Koschitzky

This is an historic time for our community. The subject of integrating faith-based schools that meet provincial requirements into the public education system is back on the public agenda.

Its impact would be significant. Public funding for qualifying faith-based schools would correct decades of inequity in which only Catholic schools are part of the public system. The Catholic system is an excellent example of how well integration of faith-based schools into public education works. As a matter of fairness, inclusion should apply to all faith-based schools, including Jewish day schools.

As the system currently stands, parents who choose Jewish day school for their children are financially penalized for making that choice. They support public education, and they pay their taxes like everyone else in Ontario. And yet, their children remain shut out from the public school system.

On the other hand, 650,000 Ontario Catholic students receive the benefit of being educated within their faith, and within the public system. They participate in standardized testing; their teachers follow an approved provincial curriculum ensuring all students learn according to Canadian values and their presence strengthens public education in Ontario. That’s the formula that should apply to all faith-based students.

Funding for Catholic schools is constitutionally required, but that does not justify the exclusion of other faith-based schools that not only meet provincial requirements but also educate thousands of graduates who have made invaluable contributions to Canadian society.

From Quebec westward, every province other than Ontario provides public funding for faith-based schools. Only Ontario funds one faith-based school system to the exclusion of all others.

Integrating Jewish day schools into the public system would provide relief to thousands of Jewish families making significant financial sacrifices so their children can receive a quality education, combining Canadian and Jewish values. It would ensure that what is being taught at faith-based schools is consistent with the values cherished by Canadians. And faith-based funding would provide more Jewish community financial resources for other urgent needs such as assistance for the poor and isolated seniors.

Helping our community better understand the value of integrating faith-based schools into public education is the first step to making it a reality.

Let’s give our children the chance to be part of a strong, vital and inclusive public school system that reflects 21st century Ontario and passes the test of fairness.

David Koschitzky is Vice Chair, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.