Public Education Under Assault
by JIM BEAM - The American Press (excerpt)

(Governor Bobby) Jindal obviously likes the private school trend. Connie Bradford, the woman whom Jindal named to (Tammy) McDaniel’s post, heads a private school in Ruston. The governor said she supports the types of education reforms he wants to pursue. John Bennett of Port Allen, another Jindal BESE appointee, is principal of a Baton Rouge Catholic school.

Make no mistake about it. Jindal, Paul Pastorek, Chas Roemer and others want to make dramatic changes in the way Louisiana children are educated. Two of their goals are clear — performance based pay and schools operating independently like charter schools.

The presidents of two East Baton Rouge Parish teacher groups offered opposing views on the changes being considered. Carole White, president of the parish Association of Educators, said she doesn’t trust the promises made by Pastorek. “How many times do you have to pick up a snake before you realize it bites?” she asked. Carnell Washington, president of the parish Federation of Teachers, said the changes being considered are coming regardless and it would be wise to keep talking and make them better. “We got a lemon, but we have to make lemonade out of it,” Washington said. The final word will come from the Legislature because the things Jindal and others want to do require legislation before they can be tried.

Lawmakers who think the state is doing a good job in education will resist the changes. Those who don’t like the current system will be open to new ideas. Legislators will be looking to you for guidance, so to which group do you belong?