While I believe there is a place for common schools or public schools, I don't believe there is a place for socialistic government schools. No government possesses the legitimate, lawful authority to confiscate money from some people to pay for other people's children's education. That is socialism and socialism is wrong in all of its forms.
That is not to say that there isn't a place for common schools to which the public can send their children. These schools would be funded by the parents and by anyone who feels they wish to voluntarily donate to them. Those who feel sorry for the children who's parents can't afford an education are free to fund that education.