I take issue with your Feb. 19 editorial “Save the Schools.” Save the schools, yes, but for whom?
Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plan, which you laud, would change a number of parochial schools into charter schools. But unlike all other charter schools, which are open to all children, these new schools would give preference in admission to the children formerly enrolled there.
Moreover, the mayor is asking the current teaching staff, many of whom are not certified for teaching in public schools, be given an alternative certification so they can continue to teach in the buildings. This all adds up to a religious test for admission and a continuation of private education with a religious focus using public dollars.
This is an election year gambit by the mayor and should be opposed by all who value public education. If we need the buildings, let the city buy and convert them to public schools, in the usual manner with public school teachers, and open them to all city children.
Melvyn Meer
Bayside
