I saw all the talk about New Jersey and just HAD to jump in! It was my understanding that local taxes pay the majority of the public education bill. My property taxes are over $12,000 per year--and I refuse to put my children back in private schools because we're paying for that public school education. Why do private schools do better? (Well, some of them do--and some of them don't--it's a matter of which side of that fence you're sitting on) Money management, I feel, has VERY LITTLE to do with how well the school does-Class sizes are substantially smaller than your average public school...that has SO MUCH to do with how effective the teacher is at teaching! My children attended private schools--and guess what? There's no federal regulation on how that school is doing--there's no standardized testing--some of them might opt to do it, but it's not mandatory like in public schools. After three years of private school (to the tune of $15,000 a year--each) I pulled them out of the private school and allowed them to go to public school...they are MUCH happier! Not to mention that they are more prepared for life in the "real" world...you can't choose to work only with people that are just like you--you have to be able to get along with all types of people.
National PTA's "Five Cents Makes Sense" campaign is something that we'd all love to see come about. It would literally double the amount of money that goes into education. We'd all benefit...and more importantly, OUR CHILDREN would benefit. PTA/PTO--do you think that only PTAers would benefit? No, EVERY CHILD would...so you'd better get on board and back it!
We all know where the Republicans and Democrats stand on education issues...National PTA is non-partisan--they DO NOT back one candidate over the other. It's up to YOU the VOTER to make that choice.
By using this "thread" as a way to bash the PTA because you don't like other groups that support some of the main principles of the PTA (i.e. education reform, etc.)is pathetic! We're not in 4th grade--it's the same as when my daughter comes home from school and says that she's no longer friends with Susie because Susie likes Sally. You gotta get over yourself!

Thanks for the link, JHB.

My interest in the story actually wasn't the details of the picture and that specific controversy, though I should have figured that that particular story could be easily read as central to my link.

I was interested that another writer was making the NEA-PTA-HeavilyDemocratic link, as that was a key topic in this thread.

Tim

Firstly, I'm disappointed you CHOSE to revive this thread.

Secondly, if you are going to link to the exaggerated media version of that story, it's only fair to also link to School Board's rebuttal and explanation - which is vastly different from the media reports.

www.sbschools.org/boe/announcements.php

[ 10-07-2004, 07:15 PM: Message edited by: JHB ]

That is just awful! I hope that teacher hits them with a lawsuit that will make their heads spin!

This just popped up in my searches. New article. Reminded me of this thread.

www.intellectualconservative.com/article3841.html

Tim

Maybe it's just the time as I write this, but I have to say this thread goes a little above my head!

I have to say, JUST throwing money at our current educational system, both on local and national levels is not going to fix anything. While I live in a extraordinarily affluent section of the country (north east New Jersey) I do understand not every state is spending what it should on its children. And they should be ASHAMED!

BUT--over 65% of my current tax bill is currently going to our school district. Our test scores ( I know, but they do matter on some levels) and current college enrollment numbers from graduates are FAR below what surrounding districts have. Our school buildings are abysmally old, outdated and in some cases down-right dangerous ( my son's elementary school JUST received a buzz-in system to prevent just anyone from walking into the school). I really like our superintendent on a personal level, BUT when I and my fellow tax payers found out that while our 4 elementary schools and 2 junior highs share 1 librarian, our high school had 2 FULL TIME with 100% of benefits paid by yours truly (as is our ENTIRE school district) and that one of the salaries was in excess of $80,000! I HAVE To question just what the hell is going on with the management of this system! If our high school had stellar SAT and ACT scores, more than 60% of graduates going to a two or four year college (let alone GOOD schools, not the "thirteenth" grade types) and was winning standards awards left and right as many of our surrounding districts then I'd be less annoyed.

Can you tell someone's tax bill just was raised AGAIN with less services with a town wide reassessment and a passed referendum to pay for in the very near future?

OK--so this was a little off the topic. However the PTA in my opinion shouldn't be bashed over this coalition. ANY group is going to have it's political leanings--this includes the PTA. It's the nature of the beast. But let's just remember that in then end, the PTA--despite all the nonsense it allows itself to get embroiled in which lessens it's impact-- is trying to fight for our educational systems to get their due. ALL systems. I admit I'm not exactly a pro-PTA person--I take umbrage with a LOT of their issues and philosophies. However I am a member and hope that my voice, as small as it may be (no comments from the peanut gallery please!), will hopefully have some positive effect on my children's education.

So stick THAT in your pipe and smoke it! [img]tongue.gif[/img]