Community Commentary:

The controversy over adding “In God We Trust” to the Costa Mesa City Council Chamber is one that resonates with many in the Newport-Mesa community and beyond.

From the Declaration of Independence through Lincoln’s second inaugural address to the recent court cases concerning the Pledge of Allegiance, the presence of God’s name in public discourse has become a source of dissent.

But here at Mariners Christian School, we don’t have such debates, and we can’t help but see the contrast between a public education and a private religious or Christian education

In fact, the inclusion of God in our instructional day is such a foundational piece whose exclusion would create controversy.

Through times of economic boom or bust, the state and direction of education always remains a prime topic of conversation. And we also know a religious education isn’t the only thing parents look for in their child’s instruction.

As a private school administrator, I appreciate the attention and weight given to school choice and welcome the opportunity to attract new families to our school.

At the same time, I understand that it is my responsibility to meet or exceed the expectations of those selecting our school, especially at a time when discretionary funds are less available.

A strong Christian school has some advantages that allow us to respond to family needs while supporting teachers in a way that is difficult to accomplish in a larger organization.

For example, school personnel and families share a common philosophy and purpose with regard to faith, core beliefs and the value placed on education. Families who choose Mariners Christian School have a non-negotiable expectation of high academic standards taught from a Christian world view.

This expectation is matched by the school’s philosophy and is reflected in our classrooms and curriculum. This alignment leads to high levels of parent satisfaction and involvement.

Other advantages include site-based management free from a larger bureaucracy, the ability to raise funds for special projects and programs and the flexibility to tailor our program to meet our students’ needs.

In order to remain viable in a competitive market, a strong Christian school must be innovative and effective because our families vote with their feet. Continued enrollment must be viewed as a necessity, especially in lean times.

Likewise, a high-level program must be maintained in order to attract and keep the caliber of teacher necessary to meet the school’s goals.

The fact that our school continues to thrive during a recession is a testament to the value many place on Christian education. It also helps to explain why the state of education is consistently at the forefront of public debate.

Educational excellence, like religious freedom, is a valuable commodity that, once experienced, is not easily given up.

Todd Perkins is the interim head of Costa Mesa-based Mariners Christian School.