Letter to the Editor: Time for change
BY Sandra Skinner, Bartlesville
Sunday, October 21, 2012
10/21/12 at 4:08 AM
Our state Constitution says our legislators are responsible for providing for public education. But, that is not happening. Our lawmakers, Gov. Mary Fallin and state School Superintendent Janet Barresi are doing all they can to do away with public education. Charter schools and private school voucher programs are ways that the officials are undermining education. (It is a conflict of interest for Barresi to be making the rules when she has a vested interest in charter schools.) Many of those who espouse less government are more than happy to take government money for their own causes even as they tell people how taxes should be lowered.
Charter schools take public funds without having any accountability to the state. Research shows charter schools do not have better results than public schools. Republicans for many years have tried to do away with public education by taking money away and saying how much better private schools are.
Barresi wants to grade the schools. Perhaps it is time concerned Oklahomans grade Barresi on the job she is doing. It will not be a passing grade.
I am thankful for Dr. Keith Ballard, Tulsa Public Schools superintendent, for speaking out for better education. He is making a difference. Since Gov. Fallin, Barresi and many of our legislators do not really want public education, it is time to elect other people who do.
P.S. I continue to appreciate Bruce Plante's cartoons.
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