Back To School, But Not For Villaraigosa -- How About Giving Parents Control?
By Walter Moore, Candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles, MooreIsBetter.com
Thursday, Mayor Villaraigosa told a reporter he is "looking for a cluster of schools beginning in September" over which he would assume control.
Friday, the LAUSD said "no way."
That is as it should be, unless and until the California Constitution and City Charter are amended to provide for mayoral control over schools.
If we're going to amend the Constitution and Charter, however, let's not give power to the Mayor. Let's give it to the parents. Let's give parents freedom of choice to pull their children out of the LAUSD disaster, and receive a voucher to help them pay for private schools.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Walter Moore’s Blog - MooreIsBetter.com
All parents should have the right to send their children to decent schools, not just those wealthy enough to afford it now.
To prevent fraud and gross incompetence, we would need some degree of regulation, "spot" inspections, and disclosures by schools to parents of key facts and statistics (e.g., student-faculty ratio, teacher credentials, etc.). But the real power -- the power of the purse -- should go to parents, who presumably care more than anyone else in the world about their children's success.
If the LAUSD ever manages to run schools well, great -- parents would be able to send their kids there. But in the meantime, we're effectively punishing the children of the poor, and limiting their future, merely to protect a massive bureucracy from competition.
You say YOU "believe in public education?" That's fine. Send YOUR kids to LAUSD. But let other parents choose differently.
If you want a Mayor who will fight to give you control over your own children’s education, I’m your man. Make it happen: contribute today by clicking here.