Gov. Kay Ivey’s Press Release on Taxpayer-Funded Fitness Memberships
On Friday, the office of Gov. Kay Ivey issued a press release regarding the use of taxpayer dollars for family memberships at private fitness clubs.
Families, recognizing the limitations of local parks and county recreational facilities, pushed the government to enhance their membership options, seeking private facilities that better met their needs and ambitions.
Isn’t that a bit outrageous?
Now, think about it in terms of education. That same day, Ivey’s office put out a release highlighting the selection process and benefits given to a family in Montgomery.
It’s great for them, really. I’m pleased they got the opportunity to attend Valiant Cross; it’s a remarkable institution that has positively impacted many young men in Montgomery.
However, let’s not kid ourselves. This idea that choice laws are sending underprivileged kids into some sort of ideal scenario? It’s misleading. This voucher model often ends up being a giveaway for wealthy families and private companies.
Valiant Cross charges an annual tuition of $10,500, plus over $1,000 in required fees. Sure, it’s wonderful that this family can manage an extra $4,500 per child to meet tuition costs, but that’s far from the reality for many low-income families.
The additional $375 (which could climb to $500 a month if you do the math over 12 months instead of the typical nine) would be a heavy burden for an average family of five who are barely making ends meet.
And that’s what’s frustrating here.
The state can’t just suddenly hand out $7,000 vouchers without first acknowledging that actual issues exist. You can’t frame it as a means to help struggling families without recognizing these specific problems.
Alabama lawmakers see the challenges and target the groups of students most affected.
Yet somehow, the solutions designed to help seem to exclude those very students facing the toughest struggles.
It’s a striking failure.
What’s even more puzzling is that this kind of government support isn’t seen in other areas. Consider parks and recreation; nobody thinks about subsidizing private club memberships.
Instead, we consistently try to enhance government services by mimicking what private clubs offer. We replicate effective strategies that have led to improved parks and community centers.
So why not take a similar approach to schools?
It’s possible. There’s a public charter school model waiting to be fully utilized, shaped by the needs of students and the community.
Yet, instead of investing in real solutions, we’re channeling vast sums into the hands of affluent families who don’t really require the assistance. Why aren’t we addressing the core issues that hinder our kids?
Valiant Cross has shown one way to create positive change in Montgomery, and other public schools across the U.S. offer examples of how impactful education can thrive, even under challenging circumstances.
But we continue to act oblivious, sticking to outdated models. The mindset seems to be that the only way to effect change is to funnel money into private schools, which aren’t held to the same standards as public ones.
It’s frankly absurd.
Why can’t Montgomery collaborate with various organizations to set up full-time community schools? Schools that could cater to middle school students from Monday morning until Friday evening, addressing issues like gangs and the influence of social media, while compensating for the lack of parental involvement due to work obligations.
You know, by doing this, we’d be benefiting Montgomery and similar cities.
Instead, our money ends up with private companies, while funds that are supposed to help children in need get diverted elsewhere.
Yes, it’s fantastic that the young men from Montgomery can access quality private education. I believe that the leadership at Valiant Cross will guide them to become successful individuals who contribute positively to society. Hopefully, they’ll go on to make a difference in the world.
But it would be even better if more students had the chance to join them.
