I am appalled but not surprised after reading the Ledger-Transcript's article, "Kerry Bedard sues Lionheart Classical Academy, claiming breach of contract."

The lawsuit alleges a scheme between Lionheart Classical Academy's billionaire landlord, Ophir Sternberg, and members of its board to vastly overcharge the school for rent and use it as a dumping ground for bad stock. According to the article, Sternberg allegedly bought the building for a mere $900,000, but the school was to spend more than $10 million over 10 years on the building. He also made a "donation" of $100,000 of his own stock, which, by the time it came to sell, was worthless – a mere tax write-off for an out-of-state billionaire.

This lawsuit shows that the charter school/voucher system in New Hampshire has failed. Rather than accomplishing its stated goal of school "choice" and "efficiency," the charter school program has funneled tax dollars to an out-of-state billionaire. Imagine if the $10 million were instead given to the ConVal school system? The charter and voucher system – even when approached by people like Bedard who have good intentions – is preyed upon by people who care little for education. It harms our public schools and harms our children.

Patrick Groleau

Peterborough