Quote Originally Posted by Lemur
We sort of already have that in the U.S. -- it's called property tax, and almost all of it goes to public education. I love hearing people kvetch about their property taxes. It's usually old, childless folks. I nod in sympathy, and think, That's right, you're paying for my kids' educations whether you like it or not, biznatches!
Uh, old childless folks and people who know better and live in areas where public education standards are in the toilet. Lemur, considering that you live in NYC your declaration of smug satisfaction is particularly humorous. Unless you can get your kid into one of the more select public schools NYC is an awful example of property taxes being utilized to their fullest, for the betterment of the community and all that other feelgood, 'building a better tomorrow' crap.

The good news is your kid is pretty young so you won't notice the real inadequacies of the NYC public school system until he progresses past the 4th grade. Even the underqualified morons that constitute the bulk of NYC's 'board certified' teachers have a hard time screwing up the basics with the kiddies. Beyond that look out! If you have any sense you'll move to Connecticut, NJ or Long Island and put up with the extended commute by the time his 8th or 9th birthday rolls around. Either that or consider one of NYC's private or parochial schools. Generally speaking the parochial schools around here don't foist the religious nonsense on kids who are of a different denomination. NYC parochial schools are also much safer, sport higher academic standards and the kids are much better behaved. On the other hand you might get lucky with your kid and he'll be clever and capable enough to gain entry into the incredibly select public schools here in NYC. Bronx Science, Stuyvesant and Hunter High School all cater to top of the Bell Curve, overachieving types (Hunter High being part of, of all things, Hunter College which is now a pathetic open enrollment shadow of its former self from the 50s & 60s).

I have lived in NYC my entire life and throughout that entire time the public education system here has and continues to be garbage. It doesn't help matters that NYC property taxes qualify as highway robbery. Talk about maximum investment with minimal returns!