School control at risk

The $100 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was passed by Congress. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan designated a competitive jackpot of $4.35 billion earmarked for “The Race to the Top” fund to improve education quality and results nationwide. Under, the RTTT Secretary Duncan mandated 19 “absolute criteria” under five general categories that must be met by every state or school district that applies for funding.

The 19 “absolute criteria” cannot be met by any state or school district. No state public school leader has spoken out about this blatantly coercive takeover of our public schools.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that: “Financial inducements of federal spending programs must not be coercive.” The RTTT is coercive.

The RTTT money is not focused on helping classroom teachers do a better job. Conversely, the RTTT simply attempts to privatize the public schools with the public footing the bill. In my estimation, the RTTT is a direct attack on the U. S. 10th Amendment – states’ rights.

Every school board member in the state must raise this issue with all major state elected officials. The stakes have never been higher for public schools and the children they serve.

Donald C. Orlich

Pullman