Eric Zorn’s June 8 column (“Charging extra for magnet school busing isn’t elitist,” Metro) hit the nail right on the head. I have long wondered why we the taxpayers should support busing for students opting to travel long distances to attend magnet schools. Obviously, there is no good or legal reason.
When I attended Senn High School in the 1940s, I had to travel about four miles to get to school. No free transportation was provided. I either took public transportation or a privately operated bus, for which I paid. My parents did not consider this an imposition.
When I opted to send my daughter to a private high school, I had the option of paying for busing or getting her to school any way I pleased at my own expense. I did not consider this unreasonable.
My advice to the parents of magnet school students is: Be grateful for the quality of the education being provided and accept the responsibility for your children’s transportation.
