The Post-Dispatch supports a plan to pay “outside vendors†to manage struggling public schools ("Whatever it takes," March 24). This betrays the legacy of Joseph Pulitzer and undermines American democracy.
The Post-Dispatch also supported the state takeover and the Special Administrative Board, saying it would bring great improvements. It now acknowledges that improvements were insufficient, and the state keeps moving the bar. The editors fail to confront the assault on public schools that is under way. The result: editorial prevarication. "Yes! We were for the SAB!" But the SAB was not the solution. "Well, we are for the next plan!"
Their cynical way out (and that of the SAB) is to place the burden on Superintendent Kelvin Adams. Doubtless a talented professional, Mr. Adams does not deserve the blame he’ll receive when this plan fails. He is an employee. He does what the SAB says.
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The editorial board correctly draws attention to the real problem: poverty and racial inequality. Yet, by supporting a privatizing agenda rather than committing to evidence and democracy, the paper repeats errors of the past. There is nothing in this plan that suggests a commitment to equality and quality for all. It claims to help the poor, but further disenfranchises them and us, the citizens of ºüÀêÊÓƵ. It further absolves the city and state — by turning over public money, obligation and accountability to private organizations.
And many comfortable and lighter-skinned readers may say, who cares? This does not target people seen as equal citizens. It targets people treated as experimental objects of intervention by corporate dilettantes and ideologues. Gentle readers will turn the page, saying, "Yes! This is good for those kids, but not our kids.†And, the paper will help further dismantle democracy and a shared commitment to the public good.
Bret Gustafson • ºüÀêÊÓƵ