Re:Very Telling Indeed (Score 1)

Fatratbastard's points about bloated, ineffectual management, criminally low expectations, and Teacher's Union issues are not only D.C. problems, and should be amplified. Some cities have recognized and wrestled with these issues, but mostly it's not politically correct to complain about the teachers union or administration or to point it out when money for education gets diverted to everything but the actual education. I'm not saying buildings shouldn't be built, or that we should defund sports. I'd even be happy to see teachers get paid more - that way they might want to teach instead of vying for the numerous patronage admin jobs. I know it's tough to teach in the city but still, we should be able to demand some level of accountability from the teachers and the school system. A couple of years ago our Superintendent here in New Haven made history by announcing that from now on every 3rd grader would have to be able to read before moving to the next grade. I was stunned; that hadn't been "required" previously? Furthermore, while it is true that there are a plethora of other social ills to be overcome, it doesn't seem right that so many people can make so much money off our school system, but live in the suburbs where their taxes don't support our school system. I'm not saying they shouldn't live where they wish, but that a regionalized tax base is crucial. Too often the cities become holding pens for any and all social ills while those living in surrounding areas feel they are off the hook. The amount of federal support available for education and social services comes and goes with changing administrations, but local(regional)interests will always pay more attention to accountability when it is local $ they are monitoring.