Wednesday, February 09, 2000
Expert urges involvement on public schools
BY JEFF CARLTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
With levies on the March ballot in several Tristate school districts — including Cincinnati — an education expert warned against apathy in a speech to religious leaders Tuesday night.
“You can get the schools you want,” said Dr. Estus Smith, vice president of the Kettering Foundation, a Dayton-based public policy research institute. “But if you don't work for it, you will get the schools you deserve.”
His speech — “Is There a Public for Public Schools?” — came at the annual meeting of the Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition of Cincinnati, composed of 16 Christian, Jewish and Muslim organizations. The meeting took place at the Rockdale Temple in Amberley Village.
He declined to identify what specific problems existed in Cincinnati's public schools but did say area parents have difficulty finding quality schools for their children.
“Every school should be an excellent school,” Dr. Smith said, “one where I would be willing to send my grandchild or any child.”
On a national level, Dr. Smith pointed to several prom inent issues being discussed in connection with public schools, including:
• Parents wanting to choose their children's schools. (“Many parents feel like trapped consumers under a failing monopoly.”)
• Raising education standards to compete globally. (“Just having someone raise the bar doesn't accomplish anything.”)
• Tremendous inequality in public schools. (“We should strive to make all schools excellent.”)
The coalition invited Dr. Smith to speak after identifying public education as a top concern in Cincinnati.
“We really recognize that education is crucial to the life of the community,” said the Rev. Duane Holm, the coalition director. “And a community isn't much without public education.”
Dr. Smith agreed, saying an improved public education system will result in an improved democracy.
Obstacles to improving public schools often include bruised egos, turf wars, conflicting interest groups and hidden agendas. If all parties would recognize the need for consensus, these issues could be put aside, Dr. Smith said.
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