Commentary
After another general election when over a thousand school board seats were on the ballot, we have seen a slight shift in favor of parent advocates representing our districts in California. And while many media outlets want to frame the election about social and cultural issues, the problems facing most districts are often more about resources and management than anything else. Yes, academics are essential, but if a district is not solvent, it does not matter what they are teaching if they cannot keep the lights on during school hours.
Those who reflexively assert that most K-12 public schools in California are underfunded, thus the reason they are failing, usually have no idea how much money is actually spent in our local public schools. They are also ignorant of basic facts regarding the district’s population, facilities, and budget, both revenues and expenditures….