When the NEA came out against school vouchers, I considered voting for it because I didn't like their involvement. I don't agree with most of the arguments against this referendum.

However, I have considered this issue very carefully. I have finally decided to vote against it. The main reason is: I don't believe it is good for Utah. We just do not have enough children in private schools to warrant this referendum. Some may say that if we give vouchers, then more students will leave. That is a big 'if.' There is a crucial threshold of students that will have to leave the public school system in order for schools to actually come out ahead.

Some have said there is no other financial option. What about accessing impact fees? We have them for roads, water, firemen, police, playgrounds - aren't schools just as important?

The money is coming from somewhere. Could this money be used for merit pay to help reward teachers who consistently put extra effort into their profession? Could it be spent to hire extra teachers and aids to help reduce class size?

•Angel Busath,

Orem