Public Schools Evade Real Accountability

Seems the public school administrators and the powerful teacher's unions are in a constant state of self-defense. Currently, they are critical of John Stossel and his TV special "Stupid in America."

If they were doing such admirable work, producing world class graduates, then maybe they wouldn't be under such scrutiny by the likes of Stossel and disgusted parents who are weary of paying confiscatory property taxes and not getting acceptable results. It's even worse for those who are doubly whacked, fiscally speaking, when they opt to educate their kiddos privately.

Vouchers offer an equitable alternative whereby parents could apply their share of school taxes to the learning institution of their choice, be it private or homeschooling. What could possibly be wrong with that plan?

The education establishment treat vouchers like vampires would treat a wreath of garlic on a cross...they are terrified of what vouchers would do to their public education monopoly because they know they are doing a substandard job of educating. They are deathly afraid of competition, because they can't compete.

If they can't compete with much more cost effective methods of education, why should they be rewarded with more money. They claim to never have enough money even though it's costing upwards of $10,000.00/student to get a lousy education with far too much indoctrination in the process.

How can this even be happening? One main reason the public education system fails is the fault of teacher's unions who protect ineptitude and reward incompetence and powerfully lobby for evermore money in Washington DC. Additionally, far too much money is spent outside the classroom in top-heavy school administration.

For example, according to Janelle Shepard, director of Texans for Texas, less than 40% of public school expenditures in Texas go to the teachers in the classroom. And that was in 2002.

So Where does the money go --Total Teacher Pay is less than 40% of all Expenditures

Total 2002 spending $28,667,838,747

Divided by...

Number of Teachers 282,583

Total Spending per teacher $101,449

Ave Total Teacher pay $40,049

Where does the other $61,400 go?

Note: Less than 40% of all Texas public school expenditures go to the teachers in the classroom, delivering instruction to students.

Public education, like all government programs, is out of control and parents must demand accountability. Be sure to read Stossel's piece linked above.