Most Americans graduated from public schools and most went from school to college or the workforce without thinking their school had limited their life chances.

Some fact-checking is in order, the place to start is with our School Board members that are working for you. The hiring of the top administrator (Superintendent) is voted on by the Board.

School Improvement was a part of Race To The Top (RTTT) in turning around failing schools. One was chosen at the end of RTTT. I have asked for data to show where our children were given help through these years. I was told that, according to board policy, we do not keep records past three years. The state sent data on just Fifth Ward. I have seen data that shows this school was second choice and the process was not done correctly. I am a firm believer that when the program is done correctly, we will see better results.

RTTT was not worth it. Our children have been and still are being used to continue to set up and allow charter schools to come in.

Board members, you need to continue saying no. Begin to demand that our children get the education that we, the taxpayers, voters and citizens, are paying for.

Demand administration talk about the plans they have concerning charter schools. Remember, charter schools take away from public schools when they apply for grants. There is nothing shared with the public schools where the students were attending.

Administration has the job of bettering the schools in the districts. When promises are made that fail our children, it becomes a “By Any Means Necessary” method to let charters in.

St. John the Baptist Parish was doing fine before the changes came from Baton Rouge (talk to legislators, they too are responsible for the education in this state) with Act 1 and other laws that are questionable in showing success in Louisiana with the education of our children.

Industry is booming in this state, deals are made in giveaways, yet it is the corporations that complain about the education. They try to open charter schools in particular areas.

Educators they are coming after your jobs. Stand up! Wake up! Speak up!

Each one, call one, tell a Board Member what your feelings are. Whether they come to the schools to visit or not, they are ultimately responsible for the school system and the results. I, for one, do not like what I see and things must change.

Our children and our community deserve better and as taxpayers we should be demanding  better results. After all, we are paying the bills.

— Carolyn J. Batiste

LaPlace