Public Education Under Attack?

“I proclaim publicly that I favor ending government involvement in education.” - Marshall Fritz, former president of the Alliance for the “Separation of School and State

“It would be nice to dismiss this absurd reasoning as the misguided rage of extremists, but the people involved are powerful, well-funded, and have the ear of key political and corporate leaders. They are doggedly committed to controlling the national dialogue on education to discredit K-12 schools.” - Tom Seibold, A Brief Framework for Understanding the Anti-Public School Movement

There have been media reports of “attacks” against public education across the country for almost three decades now. These attacks, or public school opposition movements, are manifested in a variety of ways, including allegations—many which may be unfounded, against teachers' unions, school districts, school officials or public institutions, in general. Of course, the funding for schools, such as taxes and bonds, are also challenged and opposed by these same groups.

Are these attacks real?

If so:  What is the motivation? How are the attacks executed? Who is behind it? Where does the money come from? What could happen to our schools if they are successful?

Can anything be done to prevent, or at least mitigate, the damage?

And most importantly:   Is it happening here?  Is our own Rockwood School District under attack? What about other St. Louis area public school districts?

My instinct, based on what I have observed over the past few years, tells me:  “Yes, RSD is under attack," but experience has taught me to be distrustful of my own instincts.

I am however, concerned. If the media reports and my instincts are right, then we have a serious problem. Not only will these attacks hurt our great schools and our students, they also will hurt our communities and our property values. 

Who would want to move to an area with a school system that is underfunded, or is in turmoil due to the consequences of controversial and negative media attacks? Not me, that is for sure.

Who would want to work for a school system under these conditions? 

Would you want to work for a company that was under constant attack? Would you work for a company when other nearby “companies” had better compensation (they do)? How do we attract and retain top talent to work in our schools under these conditions? Why stay at a job when you’re talented and pursued by places that are supported better than you are?  

But is it true? Is public education under attack? Is Rockwood under attack by individuals sympathetic to these “public education opposition movements?”

I do not know. I also do not like to make uninformed or misinformed assumptions.

I do like to learn, though. And I like to get to the bottom of things. Seeking truth is important to me. 

I hope my instincts about this situation are wrong. I really do. 

I will be writing a series of blog posts exploring different aspects of the reports about the “Attack on Public Education." I would like to ask for informed and knowledgeable Patch readers to contribute to the posts so everyone following can gain your insights and perspectives. My hope is that with enough perspectives we can get to the truth, wherever that truth takes us.

Please look for these blog posts on the Eureka-Wildwood Patch under my name. Share them with anyone who may have an informed perspective, and is willing to contribute.

“Schools Under Attack?” Topic Series (April/May 2013)

1. The Evidence:  Is Public Education under attack? Is Rockwood?
2. The Objectives:  Attack Schools? Why?
3. The Strategy:  What’s the game plan?
4. The Tactics:  Pulling the Strings
5. The Defense:  Responding to Attacks (if true)
6. Conclusion

I look forward to your contributions to the series.

Note:  I am not into conspiracies. Future blog posts will include citations to source materials.

In the meantime, please be sure to vote on April 2.

Larry Lazar
Eureka