Monday, March 18, 2013

STATEMENT FROM THE PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION REGARDING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S PLAN TO TAKE CONTROL OF OUR SCHOOLS


March 18, 2013
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: 
Office of Communications
301-952-6001

Mr. Baker gambles away our children’s future

Over the weekend, our students, parents, teachers, employees and taxpayers learned of Mr. Baker’s plan to take over our schools from an article that appeared in the Washington Post. The bill resembles that of the DC school takeover by former DC Mayor Adrian Fenty. However, similar to the District, the bill falls short and fails to address the core issues facing our community. This is a bad bill that is being pushed through the legislature under the guise of education reform and without the benefit of a public hearing. The public’s voice will not be heard. Our students, teachers and employees will have no say in this decision. Mr. Baker’s proposal reduces public oversight of schools and voids the rights of our parents, students and labor unions. It also does not recognize the achievements of our students—80% perform satisfactory on state-mandated assessments.   

If Mr. Baker truly wants to improve education in Prince George’s County, he should start by helping to promote more parental engagement. He should also help by finding funds to attract and retain our teachers. Our youth should not be used as political gambling chips. They are our hope for tomorrow. This bill undermines the progress our students are making. It places our schools in an untenable situation.
Mr. Baker's proposal is an unnecessary distraction that gambles away the future of our children.

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