Kids in private school deserve fairness

Mr. Walter O'Brien of Dundee in his letter to the Herald of Jan. 2 complains that a Ms. Lussenhop's complaint about her children being unable to attend extracurricular activities at her public school is not warranted because she home schools her children and does not send them to that public school.

But, Mr. O'Brien conveniently ignores the fact that Ms. Lussenhop pays hefty taxes to her school district and gets nothing in return for her children. How fair is that?

Sixty percent of her tax bill goes to the public school district. In essence, the school district takes her money and runs.

If Mr. O'Brien does not mind that the school district takes his money and runs, that is his concern. As a matter of fact, the school district gains more than is apparent because it has more money from Ms. Lussenhop's taxes and yet doesn't have to spend it for "educating' her children. Again, how fair is that?

Ms. Lussenhop, and others I am sure, would like some return for their children after being taxed by their school district. The school district in this regard shows a wanton greed in taking money and not returning reasonable program benefits to children to those who fund the district in the first place, whether they attend a public school or some other state approved scholastic program.

They still have to pay taxes to that district. Is Mr. O'Brien not aware that the state of Illinois does approve different school venues? Does Mr. O'Brien believe in treating all fairly?

Children of parents who pay enormous taxes to school districts should all receive the same benefits whether scholastic or extracurricular. It's only fair isn't it? Apparently Mr. O'Brien feels otherwise.

Joseph Helsing

South Barrington