Charter vs. Public
The Grand Rapids Press had an editorial the other day challenging Genny G. to sign legislation that would allow for more Charter Schools. When you consider what's at stake for the Public School System, and who's opposed to Charter Schools (teacher's unions), you get a good understanding of why West Ottawa's new high school has taken the form of a division 3 college campus.
I haven't run the numbers, but I'll bet the ratio of square footage allocated to athletics vs. education is about 3:1 - and that's being conservative. It's not just WO, it's a trend throughout the state of Michigan. Schools are being built to be marketable. There's increased competition out there...with Charter Schools and all. If you build it, they will come. At least that's what everyone is counting on.
Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of faith in the current administration at West Ottawa. However, it's clear measures have been taken to be sure our school district stands out among its peer group. Is this wrong? After all, the voters approved the millage to build the school - after countless informational meetings which included detailed plans for the construction.
My question is: Have we lost sight of why the public school system was created in the first place? Are our priorities a little skewed these days?
I haven't run the numbers, but I'll bet the ratio of square footage allocated to athletics vs. education is about 3:1 - and that's being conservative. It's not just WO, it's a trend throughout the state of Michigan. Schools are being built to be marketable. There's increased competition out there...with Charter Schools and all. If you build it, they will come. At least that's what everyone is counting on.
Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of faith in the current administration at West Ottawa. However, it's clear measures have been taken to be sure our school district stands out among its peer group. Is this wrong? After all, the voters approved the millage to build the school - after countless informational meetings which included detailed plans for the construction.
My question is: Have we lost sight of why the public school system was created in the first place? Are our priorities a little skewed these days?
posted by The LaceDog at 6:30 PM
1 Comments:
Bottom line, the people in this community take for granted how good they really have it here in Holland. Even though Holland is going through some tough times right now, the facilities and teaching staff would make most communities envious.
Then there's Hamilton...Don't get me started on Hamilton.
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