With very few exceptions, public schools have a monopoly on tuition-free education in their districts. Generally speaking, public high schools enroll anywhere from 90-100% of the high school aged students in their districts. As public schools, they are the default choice for families who do not choose to send their children to private schools.
Private schools, on the other hand, are neither monopolies nor default choices. They must compete in the educational marketplace with public school monopolies as well as with other private schools. There is every incentive for private schools to adapt to changing circumstances, to market themselves, and to be nimble, competitive, and different. To not do these things results in the tuition paying market choosing one of several other choices, including the default choice.
This whole radius thing is a huge crock of crap. Public schools can't enroll students from outside their districts (supposedly), so they want to impose similar limitations on private schools. Former Loyola HC John Hoerster, currently enjoying his eternal reward, used to live in Elmhurst and commute every day to Loyola Academy. His son attended York. But what if he had wanted to attend Loyola? If the eligibility radius had been 15 miles back then, John's son could not have participated in athletics at Loyola if he had attended there.
Private schools have proven that they will do what they have to do to survive and thrive. Those that don't have closed their doors or are on the way to closing them.
We have been told we may be in for a surprise when it comes to a radius. Perhaps so. If the current radius is reduced, do not be surprised if private schools do what they must to ensure their own survival.
Lastly, to claim that separation will never happen because it hasn't happened in 50 years is not a good reason in my opinion. To Edgy and others who think that there will not be separation, I encourage you to ask yourselves the question, "How much is too much?" Private schools cannot be expected to absorb hit after hit and not take action at some point. At some point, there will be a straw that breaks the camel's back.
Why stop at 15 miles? Make it freakin' 5 miles and save yourselves the whining when private schools again prove their ability to adapt! It can't happen soon enough for me.
Give me the NIPL!
chicago.suntimes.com
. Bring on the season and we'll save this for December.
