Why many in Baltimore County send kids to private school | READER COMMENTARY

In his recent commentary, Tom Coale, an attorney who represents the interests of developers, admits that school overcrowding “is a real problem” (“Baltimore County ‘APFO’ school overcrowding bill likely to backfire,” May 14). But he doesn’t think that overcrowded schools make communities less appealing. I have news for him: Many people do avoid schools that are overcrowded. Sadly, it’s one reason Baltimore County kids attend private schools at nearly twice the national rate.

Passing the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance bill could slow development so that the county can build enough classrooms to serve growing school populations.

There is no reason we cannot build more homes and build more schools. Elected officials who call the bill an obstacle are simply avoiding their responsibility to do the hard work needed to ensure adequate housing and adequate education. County Executive Johnny Olszewski should sign this legislation into law (“Baltimore County executive vetoes ordinance curbing development in areas with overcrowded schools,” June 13).

— Robin Campbell, Towson

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