My granddaughter attends a local religious private school.  I could not be happier for her and for the education she is getting.  I know I have no definitive comparison and perhaps a little biased, but my granddaughter is smart!!!!  She is learning, she in interested, she is delighted to go to school.  This school is doing a great job.  As a bonus, she is getting a great biblical education.  In casual conversation, I told her the  bible said that she had to obey her grandparents!  She not only told me that that is NOT what the Bible said… she went to the chapter and verse and read it to me pointing out that it said “Parents” not “Grandparents”.  (Col. 3:20)  

But to get this quality education her parents have to pay twice.  Once, with their real estate taxes and a second time with a check to the private school.  It is sad that the parents of these students feel that the government schools are so bad, they are willing to pay twice to get a quality education.  But the government schools make out quite well… they get their money, but don’t have to educate the kid. 

So the private school does the job under some sever handicaps.  Number one being the costs.  They have to keep costs down, because they know that the true cost of getting a quality education for their students is not the tuition, but the taxes AND the tuition.  They have to keep salaries down, they have to watch every penny.  But they do succeed.  Why?

 For a number of reasons.  They are dedicated to the task.  Not to say that the people in the government schools are not, but these teachers and administrators have to  work harder for less.  They get a concerned parent with every kid in school.  And they have the luxury of higher standards.  They demand more, and get it!  Another factor is competition.  Yes, they know they have to produce knowing that every parent has a much cheaper alternative.  Probably the most important thing is that they have the Christian ethic in their students and they have the right, no, obligation, to teach and strengthen these valuable lessons.  The government schools are denied teaching these valuable lessons and they pay the price. 

The government schools do have to take all, the private schools can pick and choose.  The government schools have tried to be all things to all people and to address any and all social ills plus baby-sitting.  They are stretched to thin.  We ask too much and they take on too much. 

Our Polk County Schools are further deterred by the archaic system of electing a superintendent, assuring that we will very likely not get the best possible leader.  The private schools are not so restrained.  Sure, they are constricted by the budget, but they can look around and find the best for them. 

So we see a lot of obstacles to a good education in either the government or private schools. How is it that we see some of our young people succeed very nicely and make a name for themselves.  I think it is because no matter what you do, some kids are going to succeed.  They overcome the obstacles; they make the grade and get what they need.  IN fact most kids have this quality, until it is hammered out of them. 

But the sad story of this sorry system is that for many students, the system is a deterrent, discouraging and in the end defeating! 

So why do we continue to throw roadblocks in the road to educated kids?  There is a mix of forces that come together to stop change.  Politics, laws, misperceptions and money all contribute to a congealed mass of little progress. 

We need some fresh thinking to open up the opportunity for change.  One of the key phrases of Governor Bush is “The soft bigotry of low expectations.”  This applies to the students, but let’s apply it to the new superintendent, the school board and the teachers as well.  Why not the best for Polk County?  Is there any reason we should not do that for our students?  

I am convinced that 90% of excellence comes from attitude and expectations.  We can upgrade our schools right now with an attitude adjustment.