Like the Council, I want to settle the school governance issue and move ahead to the real work fixing our school system. All of us know the sad reality that our children have been ill served under the current system. Our test scores are well below the national average. At least a third of our students never graduate. Our school buildings are crumbling.
Parents feel despair about their children's future.
Feeling no confidence in the public schools, many parents have just left the District. There is no greater moral imperative for elected officials than ceasing the awful neglect of our public education system. Correcting this situation speaks volumes about the courage and resolve of elected officials and other leaders. I am committed to school governance that will support the good work of parents. I regret that the Council did not advance a proposal that addresses the core issues of accountability for our children.