Money in such huge sums going to public schools buys a certain loyalty. It obligates the schools to the foundations giving the donations.
Interesting article at the WP on this issue.
Dangerous charity: Private funds for public schoolsThe Washington Teachers' Union members who will soon vote on the contract, and indeed everyone who lives in the city, would do well to pause and consider some of the worrying implications of this deal. I have two primary concerns:
-- The impact on elections: First, the $64.5 million in foundation money in the D.C. public schools' budget won't just impact our schools; conditions placed by the foundations will inject themselves into this year's electoral process, which could focus on education issues more than any other recent election. The four donors have reserved the right to withdraw the money if the leadership of the schools -- read: Chancellor Rhee, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's controversial partner in reforming the D.C. system -- were to leave.
The threat to withhold the donation defeats any purpose of reform. It must be their way or the highway.
-- The impact on school policy: Second, by accepting such conditional money, we also are inviting the unacceptable dilemma of having to choose between the educational approaches that we determine are in the best interests of our children and the divergent priorities of private foundations. The Walton Family Foundation, one of the donors, has made major investments in nonunionized charter schools and promoted privatization of public education; Rhee, too, has made clear that she is comfortable with growing charter competition in the city. It's not hard to imagine why this money would be conditioned on maintaining a D.C. public schools leadership that may be more than just sympathetic to the foundation's cause.
Actually the demands have already started from these foundations. They have already demanded that Michelle Rhee remain in control of the DC schools....or they will take the money away. That is a destructive tactic.
Walmart, Eli Broad, others paying DC teacher bonuses...say do it our way or we pull the money.These private foundations are paying teacher merit pay bonuses. But this merit pay is dependent on their continued support.
The private foundations pledging to help finance raises and bonuses for D.C. teachers have placed themselves in the middle of the city's mayoral race with one of the conditions for their largesse: If Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee leaves, so could the money.
The private donors have told the District that they reserve the right to reconsider their $64.5 million pledge if leadership of the school system changes, further complicating a proposed labor contract that has generated controversy since Rhee and union leaders announced it this month.
That clause, yet to be publicly discussed by D.C. officials, is a standard feature of private grants. But it comes at the beginning of a primary campaign that could leave Rhee out of a job. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) has staked much of his campaign on evidence of Rhee's success in improving schools. His opponent, D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray, has sent mixed messages about retaining Rhee, telling reporters after his campaign kickoff Saturday that school reform and Rhee's presence are "not inextricably tied."
These private groups are deciding the public school chancellor. It should not be that way.
This private money is coming into public schools so quickly it is like a tidal swamping the public school systems before
they really understand what is happening.What is at stake:
Across-the-board raises of 20 percent over five years (retroactive to 2007) and the merit pay system are to be funded to the tune of $65 million in private money from the anti-union Walton and Broad Foundations—and others. The unprecedented move to let private donors underwrite merit pay is Rhee’s attempt to show that D.C. schools are serious about upping test scores and tying teacher evaluations to them—a key criterion for winning federal money in the Race to the Top competition.
Rhee is a good investment for the foundations’ corporate-style overhaul of education, which seeks to bust the unions, dismantle schools, and turn them over to private charter operators. And this deal could protect her job.
Someone stopped by today at our house. He is a Republican, so is his wife. We managed to have a good discussion on the schools because she is a teacher who is about to become an activist for public schools.
It was unusual in our area to talk to someone who sees that both parties are damaging the public schools.
When private money is pumped into school to achieve a purpose of those who donate....there will be no good coming from that.
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
