Governor Matt Blunt recently went on a two-day, nine city public relations campaign touting a public school education initiative devised by an organization from Washington, D.C. While I applaud the Governor's attempt, for there is much that needs to be addressed in the way of our public school system, I question Governor Blunt's motivation in promoting a plan created by a group that is not from Missouri and without the input of local legislators, citizens, or, most importantly, educators.

The Governor's proposal aims to mandate that 65 cents of every educational dollar be spent on "classroom instruction" - the "65 percent solution". The proposal uses the National Center for Educational Statistics' definition regarding classroom instruction, which does NOT include teacher training, food service, transportation, librarians, school operation and maintenance, and health services - people and services vital to providing a quality education for our children.

This proposal is a slick political move designed to drive a wedge between various public education professionals. It's a plan being promoted by Governor Blunt, who received 2004 campaign support from a pro-school voucher political action committee (All Children Matter) worth nearly $200,000 in advertising expenses. I question the motivation behind a public school scheme sponsored by a man who is so strongly supported by an organization that that overwhelmingly promotes private school education over public school education.

In a written statement, Blunt states, "Missouri taxpayers and parents expect their money to be spent on students, not bureaucracy." When I think of school librarians, bus drivers, school health workers, and teacher trainers, I certainly don't think of "bureaucrats" - I think of modestly paid individuals crucial to a sufficient public school education.

Examining the roots of the 65 percent proposal reveals that the plan was conceived out of less than pure intentions.

The "65 percent solution" was the creation of a Washington, D.C., advocacy group, "First Class Education" (First Class). The face of First Class' 65 percent solution is a man named Patrick Byrne, chief executive officer of Overstock.com. In an April 10, 2005, Washington Post column, conservative columnist George Will relates a story in which Mr. Byrne attacks the National Education Association, the largest public education employees' union in the country. Will writes that Mr. Byrne "relishes the prospect of the 65 percent requirement pitting teachers against other union members who are in the education bureaucracy."

Governor Blunt's written statement also demonstrates disdain for "education bureaucracy." One really needs to question the motivations of a plan that is at least in part driven by a dislike for certain aspects of the public education system. If the 65 percent proposal was adopted, however, it would not affect "bureaucrats," it would sap funds from librarians, teacher trainers, and school nurses, just to name a few.

It is also important to note that Mr. Byrne contributed $50,000 in 2004 to All Children Matter, the same group that supported Governor Blunt's 2004 election campaign.

The 65 percent plan does not make practical sense, as it attempts to offer a single solution for the many different school districts in Missouri. For example, the numbers of students educated in a Missouri school district vary in size from 30 to 42,000 students. Local districts should have some leeway in allocating funds - one solution cannot possibly begin to address the varying problems that exist in Missouri's public school districts.

The 65 percent solution is so arbitrary that it defies meaningful debate, which is unhealthy to the democratic process.

Proposals such as the 65 percent solution make no mention of adopting strategies that directly address the challenge of improving the overall quality of public school education. After-school programs are not discussed; there is no talk of improving teacher qualification regulations; improving teacher training programs receives no lip service (in fact, such programs would likely lose funding under a 65 percent mandate).

If the proposal actually made an attempt to improve the quality of the education provided at public schools while addressing the differing contexts under which that education is offered, then perhaps the proposal would deserve consideration. Otherwise, the 65 percent proposal is simply a plan that will cause public education professionals to compete for funds.

The 65 percent proposal offers no solutions, and it provides no incentives to improve the quality of public school education. It will not help our local school districts, nor will it improve the education of public school children.

Volunteer Opportunities

During this holiday season, there will be several opportunities in our midst to assist those who are less fortunate. Please join me and my family in making a difference in our region by spending time with a senior citizen, or helping a hard-working single mother, or even bringing a student home who can not afford to make the trip home this winter.

Also, a local non-profit, the International Institute for Peace & Justice, will be moving between Christmas and New Year's to the Eden Theological Seminary. Funds are quite low and they need volunteers with trucks to help transport their office to the new location. If you know someone who can help in this mission, please contact Kathy or Jim McGinnis at:
7361 Stanford Ave,
Saint Louis, MO 63130-2935
(314) 726-5367 home
(314) 533-4445 office

Please have a great Thanksgiving Holiday with family, friends & hopefully neighbors!

Maria Chappelle-Nadal
Missouri House of Representatives
District 72
(573) 751-4265