> I asked the state treasurer that year what California pays on average to send kids to school, and I believe it was $4,400. While there are not many parents who could come up with $5,500 a year, there are many who could come up with $1,000 a year.

> If we gave vouchers to parents for $4,400 a year, schools would be starting right and left.

But if the public spends $4,400, that's not what goes to the school, since the total includes state and district oversight that is outside of the school.

This money would not be available to alternative schools unless you are suggesting that they should receive public funds without equal accountability.