Expand ‘Promise’

I would like to take a moment to praise the Pittsburgh Promise program and the benefits for the Pittsburgh community. I am a local high school teacher and feel education, family and faith are the best way to overcome life's obstacles and to achieve success.

I have seen many people leave the city for life in the suburbs for various reasons, mostly educational. My wife and I send our kids to a private, Catholic school in the South Hills. We feel it's important for our children to be taught in a school in which their faith helps guide their education. I have lots of friends who teach in local city schools and they do a wonderful job!

My point is, if Pittsburgh is to become a leader in education, why limit the "Pittsburgh Promise" to public school students only? The city consists of a lot of great educational institutions, not just public institutions. A lot of families believe faith is an important aspect to a well- rounded education. A lot of families I know love the city life, but end up moving out because of the price of a private education can be steep.

How much more attractive does the city look when you can look for an education for your children (regardless of the type) and know if you're a city taxpayer, you are eligible for the scholarship program?

There are plenty of families that think as we do and feel our beliefs in private school shouldn't be the determining factor in making the "Pittsburgh Promise" open to all city residents!

 

 

MIKE ORSI

Beechview