Denver Catholic

11 DENVER CATHOLIC | OCTOBER 14-27, 2017 "People need to be aware and turn- out is really going to be key," Kraska underlined. "Anyone who can vote in Douglas County should. Learn about the candidates and who supports school choice." Ballots will be sent Oct. 16 and voting day is Nov. 7. For those outside of Douglas County, Kraska said that getting involved in supporting those pro-school choice candidates and encouraging others is also important. "[You can] also get involved with the election by helping di•erent can- didates, helping them raise money and encouraging people who want to protect school choice – those people need help," she said. "And pray for the elections." WHY VOUCHERS? Vouchers are public funds given to parents toward the education of their child in a private school. Those who oppose vouchers do so with the claim that it diverts needed money from public schools. Jay Clark, Executive Director of Seeds of Hope, disagrees. He noted that many who oppose voucher programs might say they are in favor of school choice, "but only as long as that school is a public school." "But school choice that excludes religious education is not true school choice," he added. "For real school choice to exist, which will push all schools, private and public, to serve students better, we need scholarship programs like Seeds of Hope and ACE Scholarships, and we need vouchers and tax credit programs."² "A voucher or tax credit program would really empower families," he said. Bishop Michael Sheridan of Colo- rado Springs, in a letter sent to the par- ishes where Douglas County residents attend, noted that school choice isn't just about vouchers and tax credits: "It is about empowering parents to choose educational programs and curricula that best suit the needs of their chil- dren and properly reflect the beliefs and values of their family." "The Catholic Church has always been very clear that it is parents who are the primary educators of their chil- dren," he added, "and parents must enjoy true liberty when it comes to the educational choices they make for their children. "Unfortunately, Colorado's Consti- tution has been a barrier to voucher programs, like the one at stake in Doug- las County." Therese Bussen contributed to this report. School choice that excludes religious education is not true school choice." JAY CLARK Executive Director of Seeds of Hope YOU ARE INVITED! FALL OPEN HOUSES Sunday, October 29, 2017 BISHOP MACHEBEUF HIGH SCHOOL 8 a.m. – noon Learn all about the Machebeuf experience! Mass at 8 a.m. | Tours | Meet faculty and staff 458 Uinta Way Denver, CO 80230 (In Lowry off of 6th and Quebec) Register online www.machebeuf.org For more information: (303) 344-0082 x117 HOLY FAMILY HIGH SCHOOL 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Your Catholic Choice for College Preparatory Tours | Meet faculty and staff | Band and choir performances 5195 W. 144th Avenue Broomfield, CO 80023 Register online www.holyfamilyhs.com For more information: (303) 410-1411 " The Douglas County school board election will draw national attention this fall. PHOTO PROVIDED

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