Vantage point: Tell the whole truth
By:
CSBA President Jill Wynns
Published: January 3, 2012
Like every other year, we are today confronted by seemingly insurmountable challenges. What is different about this year? The principle that we can and we will do more with less has become absurd. The state budget passed last summer is unworkable, ridiculous and unconstitutional.
Therefore CSBA, through the Education Legal Alliance, filed the Proposition 98 lawsuit. If our legislators will not do their jobs and pay for the education that will insure the future of our economy and our state, we will use all our means to make them do it.
We are done with pretense. As your representative, I will not remain silent when lies are told about public schools. I will always speak the truth, the whole truth, always.
What truths do we need to tell?
Our funding system is and remains broken. We must have a workable, rational and adequate school funding system for California.
Schools are not “failing” out of the indifference, neglect or incompetence of school boards. School board members are in the forefront of reform, embracing higher standards and accountability.
Data should be used to make decisions. We will not promote or support strategies that have no data to support them, including the four models in No Child Left Behind.
Charter schools, for the most part, are not models of innovation but a direct assault on democratic governance and accountability.
We will work with our partners if they are real partners. Do not expect our support without consulting us first. We will look critically at all legislative, policy and financial proposals and take our positions based on our Policy Platform, legislative agenda and our revenue principles. No more poison pills, no more smoke and mirrors, no more deals in the night.
Why is this principle of truth-telling so important?
This is how we lead. This how we get out in front. It takes courage. It takes perseverance and tenacity. We have those things in abundance. In this state we have the potential strength of 5,000 dedicated public servants and the inspiration of 6 million public school students. The public schools are our greatest treasure—they got us here, they built the America we have and will be the foundation of the future. They make us Americans. The public school is the essence of American opportunity, the tool we use to build a “more perfect union.”
This is the time for CSBA not only to aspire to set the public education agenda for our state, but to set the larger agenda. To our partners we say, “Join us.” To the children of California we say, “A great future awaits you. School boards are here for you and will stand up for you.”
This is the good fight of the 21st century. And we fight the good fight not because it is a fight, but because it is good. We are ready to lead. Follow us.