Do The Republican Leaders Of Texas Believe In Public Education?

Back in June I wrote this post, Do You Believe In Public Education? Which finished this way:

Where we spend our money shows what our priorities are, whether it's in our personal lives or as a society. When we shortchange those things that we determine to be essential, we suffer--as individuals, families, and communities. If we continue to shortchange education in Texas, it's obvious that the problem will not get better. It's not just money. We--parents, grandparents and residents of this state--have to make this a priority. How? Well, when a politician shortchanges education, or any other important issue for that matter, make sure you let them know about it and definitely don't vote for them anymore. Inform your friends, family, coworkers or that person in the checkout line about the issues. I know one person who tries to inform phone solicitors about political activism when they call her. Remember what Thomas Jefferson said, "If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be."

Our current leadership reveals their priorities by the way they handle the state's money, making it hard to tell whether, first of all, they believe in public education. Secondly, they make it hard to believe that they intend to fund it adequately. Do you believe in freedom? Do you believe in public education? Do those who are currently running this state believe in those things?

I was reminded of that Today when I saw this, Maybe legislators want our schools to fail. You think so? Here's a little bit of that one:

"We keep hearing that the House wants 'reform,' " Collier said from Pottsboro. "We've been 'reformed' over and over since the mid-'80s. I don't think the current leaders in Austin truly have public schoolchildren in mind."

He bluntly accused state officials of trying to "de-emphasize public schools and make us fail so much that they have to pass vouchers."

In other words, divert more money and support to church schools.

He's not the only public-school official or trustee who thinks that way.

I only wish more would speak up.

This one, Who's to blame for the Legislature's failure?:

I have a suggestion for these legislators. The next time you are called into session, why don't you actually listen to people who have dedicated their lives to educating children. Those of us who are in schools every day and work directly with students might have a little insight on what could be done to make our schools better. Instead of bashing us every chance you get and blaming us for your failures, why not work with us to write a bill that is good for ALL the children in Texas? How about a new "reform" that recognizes the importance of public education and provides equitable funding and resources to actually pay for the high expectations and standards you demand?

And this one too, School of thought, about a public forum:

A public forum entitled "School Funding Crisis in Texas" doesn't exactly sound like the platform for a heated political debate, but that's exactly what it turned into Thursday night.


[and]

After addressing the superintendents, including four who served as forum panelists from the school districts of Denison, Gunter, Whitesboro and Pottsboro in Grayson County, Phillips told the crowd that he sees school funding as "not a crisis, (rather) an opportunity to see that our children get the best education available." He acknowledged that it has taken one regular session and three special sessions thus far, and a conclusion has not been reached. However, he said that calling multiple special sessions to decide an issue is not uncommon in Texas.

Superintendents representing districts in varying sizes had an opportunity to discuss their concerns with the school funding crisis. Dr. Henry Scott, Denison ISD superintendent, told the audience that the legislature has "continually cut teacher benefits, but raised retirement for judges by 23 percent." He said that a poll conducted by Gallup showed that the majority of people polled cited lack of financial support as the number one problem with public education.

He said the results of the highly regarded poll can be viewed at the website pdkintl.org.

These articles and their actions and embrace of the 65% rule should make clear that their fight is against public education. It has nothing to do with property taxes. They will not even offer a plan that will adequately and fairly fund public education. Therefore it is right to conclude that the current leadership of this state is against public education.

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves.

By their fruits you will know them.

Matthew 7:16

Thanks to OffTheKuff and Burnt Orange Report for the links.