Our Schools

Ignorance is dangerous. If we aren't aware we can be duped. If we don't understand we can make mistakes. If we haven't considered the issue we can find ourselves making emotional choices that aren't what we think we are doing.

That is the essential problem here:

Keep Our Educators Working Act

Did the problem jump out at you? Do you have children in school? Did you ever? Do you know a teacher? Did you ever vote in a school board election? Do you know who administers your schools, sets your curriculum, chooses your textbooks, sets teacher pay scales?

Hint: It isn't the Federal Government!

Schools in America are traditionally the lowest rung on the federalism ladder. School districts are generally taxing entities who levy a real estate property assessment to fund their efforts. In some communities they might be part of municipal government, but typically they are independent boards of education. Look at your real estate levy.

We like it that way because our schools reflect our community. They are a manifestation of our local and regional culture and values. They mirror the emphasis that we put on life. In Texas they are independent school districts and usually show a lot of focus on athletics.

Good districts tend to set their priorities properly and attract quality faculty. They demonstrate success in their role.

Over the years we've recognized that poor neighborhoods have a tougher time in education. They don't have the substantial tax base to be competitive in their circumstances. In recognition of that the states have filled the gap with various forms of redistributive funding. In Texas they even call it the Robin Hood Act. Wealthy districts contribute to a fund to support poorer districts and improve education throughout the state.

But, the Feds don't play a significant role in the game. You can establish a federal Department of Education and you can make expansive pronouncements in speeches, but the reality is that the Feds don't run the show or pay the feed bill.

That's why that proposal is dangerous. It is yet another example of the Chicago Way of government. Payoffs to the AFT and NEA in the billions of dollars ostensibly to prevent significant teacher lay-offs are a kick-back for political support.

Your teachers are paid by their local district and your state. Learn it. Believe it. This is not a crisis.