If a benevolent couple gave District 281 a million dollars, they would be recognized in these pages - perhaps in a smiling pose with Superintendent Mack, receiving a certificate of appreciation.

There is such a couple. However, they will never appear in these pages and Superintendent Mack won't seek them out for thanks or recognition.

They home school.

They are my neighbors, and they have raised and educated their eight children without imposing on the taxpayers once. Thirteen years times eight students is 108 years of saved taxpayer expense. At the current per-pupil spending of $10,300 per annum, this will amount to slightly over $1 million the taxpayers will NOT have paid to educate their kids.

Herein lies the paradox: My neighbors spend virtually nothing and produce a superior product. Government can't spend enough. What's wrong with this picture?

When your local candidate comes knocking on your door, ask them this: If parents could receive a voucher or tax credit for half what it costs to educate their kids in a public school, who would that hurt? It's an honest question and supremely simple. If their answer is political double-speak, vote for the other guy.

My neighbors have told me they feel blessed to have the ability and the resources to grow with their kids and direct their learning. For this, they ask for nothing in return - which is precisely what the 800-pound, budget-busting, union gorilla called "public education" will see they get.