In 2008, one of the state races went fairly unnoticed. The person who had been state superintendent of the Indiana Department of Education was retiring and two new candidates were up for election. Because there was not much press or campaign publicity, it was no surprise that the Republican candidate won. The result has changed Indiana schools forever.
Tony Bennett, an educator who spent most of his career in private schools, was elected, and began a real assault on local control of public schools. He tapped into the myth that most public schools are inadequate and used his office to begin attacks on teachers and communities.
The result is that public schools budgets have been drastically reduced while requirements and mandates have been increased significantly. Local school boards have lost control of some curricular decisions and accountability. As stated by local Chambers of Commerce, the grading system that has been created will ensure there are more failures than successes, which in turn, makes it more difficult to sell businesses on communities and further erodes the ability for urban areas to grow.
The bottom line is that our current IDOE policies have been disastrous for children and communities. Accountability is necessary, and there is no question education has to respond to the needs of an incredibly more complex economy; however, decisions have already been made that ensure that success, as the state of Indiana has joined in the implementation of the common core standards and resulting assessments.
We do not need the conflict — the privatizing of our schools — the loss of local influence. Please, my friends, consider the superintendent race seriously and vote for Glenda Ritz. Regardless of your party affiliation or leaning, we need to think about children — not ideology.
— Gene Hollenberg
Nappanee
Letters to the Editor
Our schools have changed forever
- Letters to the Editor
-
-
Cyclists should respect road rules
During the annual (Pumpkinvine) bike ride (from Goshen to Shipshewana on Saturday) there were hundreds of people riding around on back roads.
-
Nazi flag is no laughing matter
An article in the The Elkhart Truth (June 13) appeared with this headline, “What would you do if your neighbor flew a Nazi flag?”
-
God with U.S. since the beginning
It’s no coincidence that virtually every state constitution honors God in their preambles and mentions God in sections that refer to religious freedom. Several of the religious freedom sections mention Christianity specifically.
-
Will be glad when President Obama ‘has went’
I once heard of a little boy who had a habit of saying, “I have went.”
One day the teacher made him stay after school and write, “I have gone” 500 times on the blackboard. -
‘Thank you’ doesn’t say enough
It weighs heavy on my heart to read about the recent transportation budget cuts for the Goshen High School music and athletic departments. I certainly understand that difficulties arise and appropriate cuts have to be made. This is not a letter of argument, but of encouragement.
-
Businesses step up for Chamberlain
The Chamberlain Elementary School PTO is so proud of and thankful for the support of Goshen businesses. Because of their help, Chamberlain was able to provide a successful Fun Night for the students and patrons of their school.
-
An open letter to Joe Donnelly and Dan Coats
I am writing to encourage you to support the bipartisan immigration bill crafted by the so-called “Gang of Eight” senators: four Republicans, four Democrats.
-
Be proud of the Goshen Redskins
We can become riled up about various things and the Redskins idea for change is really one that I believe should be very low on the totem pole of problems or suggestions to take issue with.
-
Nickname issue is not dead yet
With the Chief statue being returned to the gym at Goshen High School, most would feel that the battle was won. But this fight over Goshen’s mascot and nickname is far from over. The fact of the matter is, had it not been for social media the administration might not have received the backlash that it did from the public. But if this plays out like many issues in our society do, within a few weeks or months this issue will lose public interest. I would like to offer encouragement against that.
-
Country is headed for a big loss
I am a conservative, liberty-minded individual who works politically through the Republican Party. Over the years the party that claims to hold up leaders like Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan has slowly morphed into an ever so slightly lighter version of the Democratic Party.
- More Letters to the Editor Headlines
-
Cyclists should respect road rules
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping
Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
