Columnist Jamala Rogers
There is a small chorus of voices singing about the need for a state takeover of the St. Louis Public Schools. While a few are uninformed and frustrated, I believe others are part of a more sinister motive. Their song is entitled “Kill the Public Schools for Charter Schools.”
For white people to claim that blacks are incapable of governance is racist. For black folks to claim such indicates a case of internalized oppression, an outgrowth of racism and white supremacy.
I’ve listened carefully to the anthem for the state takeover of the schools and the disbanding of a democratically elected board.
Tenors are singing, “There are too many different views” on the school board. Bass voices are booming that “people have their own agendas.” The sopranos are chiming that “members are inexperienced.” I would feel that this was an honest assessment if it was consistently applied.
Let’s take a look around.
Bill Roberti, the $5 million man, had NO experience in a school district. Nevertheless, he was hired by the school board and went on to create one of the darkest periods in modern history of the district. District morale dipped, along with test scores, accreditation points and finances.
The majority board members at that time engaged in name-calling, attempted assaults and a variety of other anti-social, unproductive behaviors, yet there was never a call for the state to come in and save the day. Ultimately, concerned citizens responded with their votes.
What about the Board of Alderpeople? In times of tempest, has anyone ever called for its dissolution in favor of appointments by the mayor or the state making local laws? In Overland, citizens are publicly and loudly fighting against such mayoral powers.
And the do-nothing 109th Congress – rife with corruption and rancor? No one in their right mind is saying they are so incompetent that we need the president to start appointing these public servants.
To insinuate or outright state that when a governing body becomes predominantly non-white and doesn’t march in lockstep that there’s something wrong is part of perspective that says only white people know how to rule. A span around the country (and the world) will quickly dispel any notion that white-dominated corporate and government entities are operating without confusion and conflict.
Lastly, to recommend something other than what you already have implies that it will be better. There is no evidence that state takeovers improve school districts and performance. In fact, the contrary is true. That data is just as solid as the data on the questionable success of charter schools.
In a democratic society, there will always be differences in opinions, methods and tactics. The challenge is to unite people for a few specific goals and move forward.
There are some songs that the board can sing in harmony. The essential ingredients are a good musical director, the right blend of voices and songs that bring out the strengths of the chorus.
Citizens should continue to demand accountability of the board members and the superintendent. To do so means being part of the process and understanding the real issues and not getting distracted by the small group of people singing off-key in the corner.