Why is it that when a conservative editorial writer or policy maker does not like public education decision-making, the writer calls the system “fractured,” “inefficient” or “broken” (“In our opinion: COVID-19 may finally force an answer: ‘Who’s in charge of Utah’s education?’” May 4)? When the same or like-minded writer acknowledges an achievement or accomplishment of public education, the writer praises and credits “local control” and “government at the level closest to the people.”
Many entities contribute to the success and effectiveness of public education in Utah: The Legislature appropriates the public’s tax dollars, the State Board of Education (made up of elected members, leadership chosen by the members and a state superintendent — also selected and regularly evaluated by the elected members), local boards of education (some elected, some selected — all at a county or local level), committed teachers and administrators (hired solely at the local level with considerable school-level participation) and community councils that add the parents’ voice to every public school. These entities do not always agree. The tension is healthy and encourages consensus.
As an educator, attorney and State School Board member who has watched, nurtured and sometimes criticized this system for almost five decades, it is a beautiful example of participatory democracy. Would a benevolent dictator (or partisan governor) be more efficient? Probably. She would likely not tolerate the five or more parallel systems within the system that currently exist — neighborhood schools, local magnet schools, charter schools, vouchers for students with disabilities and now (sigh!) tuition tax credits intended to benefit students with or without disabilities. These multiple systems are integrated into one and reasonably managed and monitored by State Board of Education members who must answer to voters every four years. This system is not “broken.” It is not “fragmented.” It is a model of innovation and flexibility and responsiveness to its mission.
Carol Barlow Lear
Salt Lake City