Hillbilly wisdom: take it away from the peasants. They cannot do anything about it. Under the name of choice, public funds continue at an increasing rate to be drawn away from the public school. To date NO school district in Arkansas has challenged the states right to withdraw public funds and supplement the fees charged by alternate schools. Silence, sticking one’s head in the sand, or allowing this misappropriation of funds to go unchallenged will not alter this misguided behavior. It is time to stand up for our public schools.

There is nothing wrong with parents wanting better for their children, to do anything less is unthinkable. But if the school is perceived as failing the students and the parent wishes to provide better educational opportunities then the expense of said education should fall squarely upon the shoulders of those receiving the benefits.

The perception that the school does not want parental involvement is enhanced by safety or security measures. Going to a school is like visiting a prison. This environment is the same for the children as it has always been so it is normal. Is this environment the environment for learning. The children know this is normal but their parents might remember something different.