By Ray Pinney 

Like many people, I am highly competitive. As a kid playing sports, I played to win. Even as a parent, when I noticed my children had a talent for music, I began looking for opportunities for them to be surrounded by skilled musicians so they could improve their own skills.  I think we all believe that competition can bring out the best in us.  In fact, I can think of very little that is more ingrained in the American ethos than the belief that competition is the answer to almost any problem.  It is the fuel that drives the engine of capitalism.

Last week in my blog (Summertime is for Relaxing – But Not Completely), I mentioned  that the national and state conversation on education is turning to the topics of vouchers, charter schools and school choice.  These proposals – especially vouchers and school choice – do not have many proponents within the public education community. While I do not dismiss choice as being always wrong for public education, I also don’t believe that it is the panacea it is often touted to be.

I would even say that some of the arguments for choice are compelling.  For example, it is hard to argue with a parent who has no choice but to send their child to a school that is failing almost all of its students.  I do, however disagree with one of the core arguments for choice and that is the notion that the “competition” that vouchers provide will force public schools to improve.

If I am such a believer in competition, why do I think that find myself doing an about-face when discussing vouchers and choice in public education? (more…)

By Ray Pinney 

Summer is here and when it arrives, life seems to move at a slower pace.  We daydream of ocean waves, drinks with umbrellas, and sitting back and relaxing. The books we choose tend to be “lighter.”  People ask you things like “how is your summer going?” (I don’t remember anyone ever inquiring how my spring or fall was going!)

This summertime shift is even more pronounced for those of us involved in education. It seems summer begins in June on the last day of school and ends in September on the first day of school.  Board members and school administrators do not have the luxury of having the summer off, but with school not in session, things are undeniably slower.

But even in a slower time, it’s still important to keep an eye on legislative issues.  The legislature is not in session right now, but there are issues currently on the back burner that could quickly heat up. Boards of education and administrators should begin to discuss these issues now and not wait until a bill is moving through the legislature. 

Here are some of the issues to watch: (more…)

By Ray Pinney 

“Whereas, by making meaningful contributions to our schools and communities, the dedicated members of local school board have enhanced our State and Nation;”

…and by the way, don’t let the door hit you on the way out!  That quotation is from Gov. Corzine’s proclamation for School Board Recognition month. The last part is what I imagine the board members in thirteen non-operating school districts must have felt when S-3000/A-4141 was enacted almost overnight, and they received letters that their board had been eliminated and their services were no longer needed. (more…)