Abandon schools!

Random character: "The PTA is disbanding? Augh!" *jumps out of window*

The people of California, through their government, is attempting to pass a bill that would allow parents to take over a school that has consistently performed well-below standards for the State. The parents of the students could sign a petition, and thereby take over management (including hiring and firing) of the school itself. There seems to be few safeguards, save that the will of the people will directly interfere with the duties of the local school district. Ohio is considering a similar bill.

I like the idea of "power to the people," but there is a distinction between empowering people and allowing unqualified people to take over a professional section of public services. Could you imagine if the same process existed for firefighting departments or police departments? The average person has little to no idea of how public management works, how it differs from private management, and the peculiarities of public administration. On the other hand, there is something appealing to me -- as a conservative -- about allowing the public to disrupt and disband a failing public agency. The part that has me concerned is the idea of parents "taking over" a school, and the anarchy that would erupt.

In Ohio, if a similar measure is proposed, I would recommend the following. First, the parents must obtain the signatures of over 50% of the parents of students in the schools for a petition. Second, the petition must be presented to the local school district, who will then be given the opportunity to present a plan for change to the parents at a public hearing. Third, the plan may be rejected if 50% of the parents who originally signed the petition vote against its acceptance. Finally, if the school district's plan is rejected, then all members of the board of the school district must be put up for re-election.

This process does not disturb the administration of the school, or the teachers employed by it. What it does is disturb the trustees for the school district, who wield a great deal of power when it comes to the management of the schools. Taking over a school doesn't solve problems with budgets or overcompensation to superintendents. Jeopardizing the political lives of public officials will force them to put a little more effort into finding acceptable solutions.