Final answer:
The existence of private schools hurt tax-supported public education by decreasing government funding, reducing the quality of public school teachers, and limiting access to education for the poor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The existence of private schools hurt tax-supported public education in several ways:
- Decreased government funding for education: The rich sending their kids to private schools means they are not contributing to the tax base that funds public education. As a result, school districts' budgets decline and they receive less money from property taxes and the state.
- Reduced the quality of public school teachers: With decreased funding, public schools often have to cut programs and fire teachers. This leads to a decline in the quality of teachers available in the public school system.
- Limited access to education for the poor: Private schools charge tuition, making them inaccessible for many low-income families. If private schools were the only option, a significant portion of the population, including poor and working-class children, would be unable to afford education.