Fred Deutsch

Recent Activity

• 

  Fred commented on the article | over 2 years ago

  American School Boards – Abolish or Improve?

  Just a few words from a school board member. First, I've never seen a school board that doesn't have anything to do with education.  A few examples would be helpfu.  When you say your school "had" a school board, do you mean your school no longer has one?  If that's the case, who runs your public school?  Who articulates the needs of the commuity to the school, and the needs of the school to the community?

  
  

  Let's  not forget that serving on a school board is a very "American concept, reflecting the democratic notion of lay control of political functions.  As Americans, we trust that reasoned lay-people who are not "education experts" are qualified to set policy and govern the schools, to represent the "public" in public education. After all, education, in large part, reflects community values. Who better to set the policy and direction for this values-laden enterprise than local community members? That is why we elect (or, in some few cases, appoint) public-minded citizens to the local school board, where they are charged with articulating the needs of the community to the schools and the needs of the schools to the community.

• 

  Fred commented on the article | over 2 years ago

  American School Boards – Abolish or Improve?

  Ann, too many Amercians are ignorant about the vital role school boards play in the education of our children and in the development of our democracy.  To further the understanding, I write a blog about education from the perspective of a school board member.  We need more people writing and acknowledging the important of school boards -- and we need more committed and passionate people running for positions.

  
  

  Fred Deutsch (www.school-of-thought.net)