Egads, what’s next? Vouchers?
Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones may be a liberal Democrat but he is also a pragmatist. He has consistently shown that he is interested in what works. His approach can be seen in his positive approach to economic development and his emphasis on sound finances. (The city’s bond rating has nudged up five ranks in five years.)
Now, after news reports that 12 Richmond city schools were listed among the lowest 37 lowest-performing schools in Virginia, Jones is questioning public school orthodoxy. “My position on education has been an evolution,” he told members of the Richmond First Club yesterday, as reported by the Times-Dispatch.
The situation is so dire, said Jones, that he is even willing to consider charter schools.
To quote Peter Vinkman from Ghostbusters, “Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together… mass hysteria!”
“I’ve changed my thinking about the private sector being involved in education,” Jones said. “So I’m hoping this School Board will take this as an opportunity to do some radical reinvention in the idle schools. And I’ll be using the bully pulpit to encourage them to do that.”
Mayor Jones, may I introduce you to Ken Cuccinelli? The Republican candidate for governor has advanced a slew of education reforms that include making it easier to start charter schools. (See “Understanding Cuccinelli’s Proposed Education Reforms.”) Perhaps you should chat.
— JAB
